Imitrex Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Sumatriptan succinate

SUMATRIPTAN (Imitrex®) helps to relieve a migraine attack that starts with or without aura. Sumatriptan is not used to prevent migraine attacks. Imitrex is a headache medicine. It is believed to work by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain. It also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.

Imitrex Dosage

• The maximum dose that may be given within 24 hours is two 6 milligram injections taken at least 1 hour apart.
• The usual dose for adult is one 25-, 50-, or 100-milligram tablet taken with water or other liquid. The most you should take at one time is 100 milligrams, and the most you should take in 1 day is 200 milligrams.

Uses of Imitrex

• Imitrex tablets and nasal spray are used to treat migraine headaches.
• Imitrex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Imitrex

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Imitrex. Side effects may include:

• Burning sensation
• dizziness or vertigo
• feeling of heaviness
• feeling of tightness
• flushing
• mouth and tongue discomfort
• muscle weakness
• nausea (nasal spray)
• neck pain and stiffness
• numbness
• pressure sensation
• redness at the site of injection
• sinus or nasal discomfort (nasal spray)
• sore throat
• tingling
• warm/cold sensation

Warnings and precautions before taking Imitrex:

• You should use imitrex cautiously if you have liver or kidney disease. Also, if you have any trouble with your eyes, then you should tell your doctor.
• Some people feel drowsy or dizzy during or after a migraine, or after taking sumatriptan to relieve a migraine. As long as you are feeling drowsy or dizzy, then do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages can make headaches worse or may also cause new headaches to occur. So people who suffer from severe headaches should avoid alcoholic beverages, especially during a headache.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Imitrex, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Imitrex medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Imitrex with the following:

• Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
  
• Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot and Ergostat
  
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
  
• Sertraline (Zoloft)

Overdose

When you are taking Imitrex, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an Imitrex overdose may include:-

• Bluish tinge to the skin
• convulsions
• dilated pupils
• inactivity
• lack of coordination
• paralysis
• redness in the arms and legs
• skin changes at the site of injection
• slow breathing
• sluggishness
• tremor