Imitrex (Sumatriptan)

What is Imitrex?

Imitrex (Sumatriptan) is a headache medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called triptans.

What is Imitrex used for?

Imitrex is used to treat symptoms of migraines. It helps relieve headaches, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. However, the medicine only treats a headache that has already begun and does not prevent future migraines or reduce how often you may get a headache.

How does Imitrex work?

Imitrex works by blocking pain pathways in the brain. It affects a certain natural chemical, called serotonin, which constricts blood vessels in the brain.

How to use Imitrex

Imitrex should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. It is advisable to take it at the first sign of a migraine. Do not break or split the tablet.  After taking the medicine, if your headache goes away and comes back, or does not go at all, take the second dose after 2 hours. Do not take any more doses without consulting your doctor.

If you are taking Imitrex nasal spray, follow the instructions mentioned on the prescription label. Blow your nose and clear your nasal passages before using the spray. Try not to sneeze or blow your nose after using the nasal spray. Do not take a second spray without consulting your doctor.

Imitrex warnings and precautions

Do not use Imitrex if you are allergic to sumatriptan, or if you have taken an MAOI or monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl) in the past 2 weeks. Also, do not take this medicine if you have severe or uncontrolled blood pressure, ischemic bowel disease, blood circulation problems, severe liver disease, a history of angina pain or heart disease (including heart attack and stroke).

If you have taken rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT), naratriptan (Amerge), eletriptan (Relpax), almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), zolmitriptan (Zomig), or ergot medication such as ergotamine (Ergostat, Cafergot, Ergomar, Ercaf, Wigraine), methysergide (Sansert), dihydroergotamine (Migranal Nasal Spray, D.H.E. 45), ergonovine (Ergotrate), methylergonovine (Methergine) in the past 24 hours, do not take Imitrex.

Prior to taking Imitrex, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease

What do I do if I have missed a Imitrex dose?

Imitrex is used as needed. You are not on a dosing schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Imitrex overdose?

If you have taken an Imitrex overdose or if someone has accidently swallowed it, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Imitrex interactions

Before taking Imitrex, tell your doctor if you use an antidepressant such as venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or escitalopram (Lexapro).

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Imitrex side effects

Imitrex side effects include hives, breathing trouble, sudden numbness or weakness, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle stiffness, increased sweating, pain spreading to shoulder or arm, sudden headache, confusion, hallucinations, lack of coordination, fast heart rate, severe stomach ache, bloody diarrhea, seizure, pale or blue-colored appearance in fingers or toes; problems with speech, vision and balance; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Imitrex, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor right away.

Mild nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, muscle pain, cough, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, redness under the skin, drooling, pain or burning sensation in nose or throat after using the nasal spray are some less serious side effects of Imitrex.