What Is Imitrex?
Imitrex
® (
sumatriptan succinate) is a prescription medication that is used to treat
migraine headaches. Imitrex will not help to prevent
migraines, but it can help to treat a migraine that is already occurring. The injectable form of the drug is also approved for the acute treatment of
cluster headaches.
The medication is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
Imitrex is part of a class of
migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "
triptans"). During a migraine
headache, some of the blood vessels in the head can become dilated (wider than they usually are). Imitrex works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve
migraine symptoms.
In one study, 52 to 62 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking Imitrex tablets, compared to only 27 percent who did not take Imitrex. Within four hours, as many as 79 percent of people who had taken Imitrex had
migraine relief, compared to just 38 percent of people not taking it. Similar results were seen in studies of Imitrex Nasal Spray and Imitrex Injection.
When and How to Take Imitrex
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Imitrex comes in tablets, a nasal spray, and an injection.
- It should be taken as soon as possible once a migraine starts.
- Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water or other fluids.
- The nasal spray and injection both come with pamphlets that describe exactly how to use them.
- If your headache comes back or does not go away, you may take a second dose after waiting at least two hours from the time you took the first dose of Imitrex tablets or Imitrex Nasal Spray (or one hour after the first dose of Imitrex Injection). Let your healthcare provider know if the medication does not work completely after one dose.
- For the medicine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to Imitrex
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone who takes Imitrex will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment of can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
The most common side effects of this drug include:
- Tingling
- Dizziness
- Warm or cold sensations
- Feelings of heaviness, pressure, or tightness
- Flushing (redness of the skin, especially of the face)
- Chest discomfort.
For Imitrex Injection, reactions at the injection site (including redness, pain, or swelling) are also common. For Imitrex Nasal Spray, nasal discomfort and a bad taste in the mouth are also common side effects.
Imitrex can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
- Heart problems of any kind, especially a history of heart disease, angina, an irregular heart rhythm, or a heart attack
- A history of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke), or other bleeding in the brain (such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Certain blood vessel conditions, such as peripheral vascular disease, ischemic bowel disease, or Raynaud's phenomenon
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- A history of seizures
- Epilepsy
- Depression
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much Imitrex may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Seizures
- Shakiness
- Not being able to move or feel (paralysis)
- Swelling in the arms or legs
- Wide or dilated pupils
- Increased saliva and watery eyes.
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container. Keep Imitrex tablets in their original blister package until you need to use them.
Keep Imitrex and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Imitrex?
Imitrex is not intended to be taken on a regular basis. It should be taken only during a
migraine headache.
The tablets are available in three strengths:
- Imitrex 25 mg tablets
- Imitrex 50 mg tablets
- Imitrex 100 mg tablets.
The nasal spray is available in two strengths:
- Imitrex Nasal Spray 5 mg
- Imitrex Nasal Spray 20 mg.
The injection is available in the following strengths:
- Imitrex STATdose 4mg
- Imitrex STATdose 6 mg
- Imitrex Injection single-dose vial (6 mg per 0.5 mL).
Imitrex STATdose is an injection pen kit that comes with everything you need to inject Imitrex.
There is currently no generic Imitrex licensed for sale.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print