What is the Imitrex?
Sumatriptan narrows the blood vessels in and around the brain. Sumatriptan reduces the substances in your body that trigger migraine symptoms, such as nausea and headache pain.Sumatriptan can be used to treat adults with migraines, cluster headaches, and other headaches. Sumatriptan is only used to treat headaches. This medication will not reduce headaches or prevent them.
Sumatriptan is not recommended for treating a tension headache or a headache causing loss of motion on one side. This medicine should only be used if your doctor has confirmed that you have migraine headaches.Sumatriptan can be used in other ways than those listed in the medication guide.
Side effects of Imitrex
Seek immediate medical care if you have any of these symptoms: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your face, lips, throat, or tongue.
Sumatriptan may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Diarrhea and sudden severe abdominal pain
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats.
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Blood circulation problems in the legs or feet: cramps, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, pain or burning, feeling of coldness, changes in color (pale, blue), hip pain
- Heart attack symptoms: chest pain or pressure; pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder; nausea.
- Serotonin levels are high in the body and can cause agitation, hallucinations (including hallucinations), fever, rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of coordination.
- Increased blood pressure—headache, blurred vision, or pounding in the neck or ears; anxiety or nosebleed
- Signs of a stroke include sudden numbness and weakness, especially on one side; severe headaches; slurred words; or problems with vision, balance, or coordination.
Imitrex side effects that are common include:
- The sensation of tingling or warmth
- Pressure or heavy feelings in any part of the body
- Feeling weak or tired due to dizziness
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Pain or redness at the injection site.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
You should not use sumatriptan if you have ever had heart disease, coronary artery disease, blood circulation problems, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe liver disease, a heart attack or stroke, or if Your headache is different than your normal migraine headaches.
If you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days (such as isocarboxazid or linezolid), you should not take this medication.Sumatriptan should not be taken within 24 hours of taking another migraine headache medication.
Before you take this drug
Sumatriptan should not be used if:
- Heart problems or strokes (including "ministrokes")
- Angina, blood circulation problems, and a lack of blood supply to the heart are all symptoms of coronary artery diseases.
- Circulation problems affecting your legs, arms, stomach, intestines, or kidneys;
- A heart disorder called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome;
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure (or)
- Severe liver disease
Sumatriptan should not be used if an MAO inhibitor has been taken in the last 14 days. Drug interactions may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, rasagiline, and selegiline.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Epilepsy
- High blood pressure is a sign of a heart rhythm problem.
- Risk factors for coronary heart disease include diabetes, menopause, and smoking. Other risk factors are being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or having a history of coronary disease in the family.
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Tell your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant.
Sumatriptan may pass into breast milk. Do not breastfeed for 12 hours following sumatriptan use. If using a breast pump, discard any milk collected during this period. Do not give it to your child.Sumatriptan is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
How to take imitrex?
Sumatriptan should be taken as soon as headache symptoms appear. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Follow the directions on the label.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage. The overuse of migraine headache medication can worsen headaches. If the medication seems to be less effective in treating migraine attacks, tell your doctor.Sumatriptan can be injected into the skin. You may be taught how to use the medication properly by a healthcare provider.
The medicine is available in vials (bottles), needle-free injector devices, or pre-filled cartridges for auto-injectors. Each type of medicine is intended for a single use.You should read all the instructions that are included with your medicine. Sumatriptan should not be used if you do not understand the instructions. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Only prepare your injection when you're ready to administer it. If the vial is cloudy or looks like it has changed color, or if there are particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.After an injection, call your doctor if your headache doesn't completely disappear. Use a second shot if your headache disappears and then returns after at least an hour. Do not use more than two injections within 24 hours. Contact your doctor if symptoms don't improve.
Store away from heat, moisture, and light. After the date of expiration has passed, throw away any medicine that is unused.Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Sumatriptan does not require a schedule of daily dosages because it is only used as needed. If your symptoms don't improve after taking this medication, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Overdose symptoms include tremors and skin redness on your arms and legs. They may also include weakness, lack of coordination, breathing difficulties, blue lips or fingernails, or vision problems.
What should be avoided?
Sumatriptan should not be taken within 24 hours of using any other migraine headache medication.
- Sumatriptan nasal spray or tablets, eletriptan, or frovatriptan
- Ergot medicine such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, or methylergonovine.
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
Sumatriptan can cause your body to produce high levels of serotonin, which is known as "serotonin syndrome" and can be fatal. Tell your doctor if:
- Medicine to treat depressive disorder;
- Medicine for Parkinson’s disease
- Medicine for serious infections
- Herbal products
- Stimulant medicines;
- Opioid medicine;
- Medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting
This list is incomplete. Sumatriptan may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
