IMITREX (SUMATRIPTAN)

Imitrex Description

Imitrex is a “triptan,” or headache-reducing medication that is prescribed to treat migraine headaches with or without aura. Warning signs that occur prior to the onset of a migraine are referred to as “aura”. These symptoms may be visual or sensory and include flashing lights, difficulty with coordination, weakness in the body and difficulty speaking. Imitrex should be taken at the first indication of migraine headache symptoms. Imitrex is available by prescription, either in its brand name form or as its generic equivalent, Sumatriptan. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Imitrex

Your doctor may prescribe Imitrex if you suffer from migraine headaches. These headaches tend to be much more severe than others, listing intense throbbing, nausea, sensitivity to light, dizziness, and even hallucinations as some of their most common symptoms. They are thought to be caused by enlarged blood vessels in the brain, as well as by the release of other pain-causing chemicals. Imitrex narrows the abnormal blood vessels and blocks pain-causing chemicals to reduce or eliminate migraine symptoms. Significant relief is usually experienced within about 30 minutes after taking Imitrex by mouth.

Imitrex cannot prevent new migraines from occurring; it is meant only as a treatment for those which have already begun. Sumatriptan is not recommended for other types of headache or for headache prevention.

Imitrex may also be prescribed to treat cluster headaches, an uncommon type of headache that tends to occur in clusters over a period of days, weeks or months. Although the cause of cluster headaches is unknown, they most often affect men and are strongly associated with cigarette smoking.

Before You Take Imitrex

Provide your physician with a complete list of medical conditions and any medications you are taking before receiving a prescription to buy Imitrex. If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, liver or kidney disease, or any form of cardiovascular disease, it is important for your doctor to know before you start taking Imitrex. You should not take Imitrex if you have high blood pressure that is severe or not under control. Imitrex should not be given to anyone under 18 or over 65 years of age.

Imitrex Precautions

You should avoid alcoholic beverages during treatment with Imitrex, since these may increase the chance of negative side effects. Take Imitrex only as instructed by your doctor to avoid overuse to avoid “rebound headaches”.

You will also want to avoid taking certain medications, including several common anti-depressant drugs, which can lead to fatal interactions if combined with Imitrex. Those who take Imitrex along with other medications that act on serotonin may experience serotonin syndrome, a severe and life-threatening condition.

Possible Imitrex Side Effects

• Numbness or burning
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Weakness or stiffness in the muscles
• Fatigue
• Flushing

You should stop taking Imitrex and seek immediate medical attention if you experience: sudden and severe stomach pain and bloody diarrhea; seizures; numbness or tingling and bluish appearance in fingers or toes; dangerously high blood pressure.