Prescription Required
Description
Imitrex is an oral tablet made up of an antimigraine drug called sumatriptan. Imitrex is sometimes referred to as Imigran and can be purchased in both the brand choice and generic alternative in 50mg and 100mg!
Imitrex is a fast relief treatment for the symptoms of a migraine. A migraine is a type of moderate to severe headache and has common symptoms such as sensitivity to light and noise, headache pain (begins as a dull ache and grows into a throbbing pain), and nausea. Other symptoms that are less common, but can still be treated with Imitrex, include vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dizziness and fatigue. This medication is not effective in preventing future migraines from occurring or decreasing the frequency in which they occur.
Imitrex is effective in treating the symptoms of a migraine because of its ability to affect the serotonin (a natural substance of the brain) that causes the narrowing of blood vessels and affects other certain nerves in the brain that are associated with migraines.
Directions
Use this medication exactly the way your doctor has prescribed it to you.
When you begin feeling the “dull headache stage” of a migraine – the first sign of a migraine – take your dose. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not split this tablet. The first dose is usually taken in a hospital setting so medical attention is quickly accessible if any adverse interactions or side effects occur.
If one tablet is not working, you may take a second one after at least 120 minutes (2 hours) after the first dose. If your symptoms do not improve; consult your doctor.
Do not used more than your recommended amount. Using more will not help your migraine quicker and can cause them to become worse. Do not exceed more than 200mg within 24 hours.
Do not refrigerate this medication; store at room temperature away from heat, moisture and light.
Cautions
If you are a patient with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart problems, certain heart rhythm disorders, a history of heart attack or stroke, or circulation problems that cause a lack of blood supply within the body; do not use Imitrex. There may be safer and more efficient medications to help to migraines for those who suffer these conditions; consult your doctor.
If you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days (2 weeks); do not use Imitrex.
Consult your doctor if you are taking an antidepressant; Imitrex may not be safe for you to take.
Do not use Imitrex within 24 hours (1 day) of using another migraine medication.
Tell your doctor about all medical conditions you may have to ensure Imitrex is right for, more importantly, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems or stroke, coronary artery disease (or risk factor for CAD), angina, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, severe liver disease, epilepsy, or a headache that is abnormal from your usually migraine.
This drug can pass into breast milk. Do not breast feed within 12 hours of using Imitrex. It is unknown if this medication will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant; consult your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Imitrex (sumatriptan) may include:
pain or tight feeling in your chest, throat, or jaw; pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body; numbness or tingling, feeling hot or cold; dizziness, drowsiness, weakness; unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth after using the nasal medicine; pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in your nose or throat after using the nasal medicine; or runny or stuffy nose after using the nasal medicine.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Imitrex (sumatriptan) may include:
sudden and severe stomach pain and bloody diarrhea; severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats; a seizure (convulsions); severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
blood circulation problems in your legs or feet - cramps, tight or heavy feeling, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, burning pain, cold feeling, color changes (pale or blue), hip pain;
a heart attack - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
high levels of serotonin in the body - agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea; or
a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.
FAQs
What is Imitrex?
Imitrex, or Imigran as it is known internationally, is an oral tablet containing sumatriptan, an antimigraine drug. Tablets contain 25, 50, or 100 mg of sumatriptan. We carry both the brand, Imitrex, and the generic alternative, sold as sumatriptan, at My Drug Center.
What is Imitrex used for?
Imitrex is a popular medication used for the treatment of intense and debilitating headaches; a very common neurological condition which causes multiple symptoms. This condition is known as migraines.
What does Imitrex do?
Using Imitrex will not help reduce the frequency or quantity of migraines but it will help ease the pain and discomfort of the associated symptoms. Using Imitrex will help headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sounds, and may also help with more intense symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, or dizziness and fatigue.
How does Imitrex work?
Migraines are thought to be caused by overactive nerve cells in the brain that send out signals to activate the nerve that allows you to feel sensations (like pain) in the head and face. This activation causes certain chemicals to release, like serotonin. These chemicals then cause blood vessels in the lining of the brain to swell, which causes the inflammation and symptoms. Imitrex works by narrowing blood vessels in the head and preventing the signals sent to the brain that cause the migraine symptoms.
How to take Imitrex?
Use this medication exactly the way your doctor has prescribed it to you, otherwise, to use Imitrex; swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break open the tablet. To help flush it down, take the tablet with a full glass of water. The first dose is commonly taken within a health care facility such as a hospital; this allows medical attention to be readily available in the case of allergic reactions or adverse interactions. All future doses should be taken at the first sign of a migraine; this is commonly known as the “dull headache stage.”
How does Imitrex make you feel?
All of our bodies react to medication differently; therefore Imitrex may pose a wide variety of possible emotions and other side effects. So, what are the side effects of Imitrex? Imitrex commonly causes side effects such as feeling too hot or cold, numbness or tingling, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, or a pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body; there are many more possible side effects.
How often can you take Imitrex?
If you’ve taken your dose and don’t get satisfactory relief or the migraine returns, another dose may be taken 2 hours after the previous dose. The brand manufacturer recommends taking no more than 200mg in any 24-hour period. Imitrex is a long-term treatment medication therefore it can be used safely and effectively on a daily basis for quite a while, however, the exact amount of time you can use this medication for must be determined by your doctor.
How long does Imitrex stay in your system?
Imitrex has a very small half life of only 2.5 hours which would equal to only 12.5 hours before it is cleared out of the system following your last dose.
How long does it take for Imitrex to work?
It will likely vary between each individual but the most common length of time Imitrex takes to become effective is between 30-60 minutes.
How long does Imitrex last?
The peak effect is typically felt after 2-3 hours; the amount of time it lasts after the peak varies between each individual. Certain diseases, like liver disease, among other factors can affect the length of time Imitrex is effective for.
How much does Imitrex cost?
In the United States Imitrex can sometimes be an expensive medication. How much does Imitrex cost without insurance? Imitrex is sold in packs of 9 tablets in the United States; one pack of 9 (100mg) generic tablets (sumatriptan tablets) has an average retail price nearing the hundreds. However, internationally, you can buy more for less; 12 sumatriptan tablets (100mg) for under $80.00 ($6.42 per tablet), accessible at My Drug Center with a valid prescription.
Who makes Imitrex?
Imitrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, a British multinational pharmaceutical company.
What does Imitrex look like?
Imitrex, when bought in the United States, commonly comes as small tablets, either round or three-sided and may be pink or white in color. However, when purchasing Imitrex internationally, the appearance may vary. This applies to the generic sumatriptan tablets as well.
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