Why is Imitrex prescribed?

Imitrex is prescribed for the treatment of a migraine attack with or without the presence of an aura (visual disturbances, usually sensations of halos or flickering lights, which precede an attack). The injectable form is also used to relieve cluster headache attacks. (Cluster headaches come on in waves, then disappear for long periods of time. They are limited to one side of the head, and occur mainly in men.)

Imitrex cuts headaches short. It will not reduce the number of attacks you experience.

Side effects

• Stiff neck
  
  
• Narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands leading to periods of white, painful hands (Raynaud's phenomenom)
  
  
• Seizures
  
  
• Tremor
  
  
• Alteration in results of liver function tests
  
  
• Awareness of your heart beat (palpitations)
  
  
• Increased or decreased heart rate (tachycardia or bradycardia)
  
  
• Visual disturbances (though these may also be due to the migraine)
  
  
• Nausea and vomiting (though these may also be due to the migraine)
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Weakness
  
  
• Increase in blood pressure
  
  
• Flushing
  
  
• Drowsiness
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Sensation of tightness, pressure, tingling, heaviness, heat or pain in any part of the body, including the chest and throat (see warning above)
  
  
• Nosebleeds
  
  
• Irritation or burning sensation in the nose or throat
  
  

Special warnings about Sumatriptan (Imitrex) succinate

Although the danger is minimal, Imitrex has triggered serious heart problems in people with heart disease. For that reason, the doctor may want you to take your first dose of Imitrex in the office, where you can be closely watched for ill effects.

Be sure to tell the doctor if you have any conditions that increase your risk of heart disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Also let him know if you smoke, have heart disease in the family, or have gone through menopause. Patients at risk of heart disease should have periodic cardiac evaluations as long as they continue using Imitrex. If you develop pain or tightness in the chest, throat, or jaw after taking a dose, consult your doctor before taking any more.

If you develop severe chest pain, call the doctor immediately. Also seek immediate attention if you suffer sudden, severe abdominal pain after a dose of Imitrex. It could signal a blood vessel problem.

Be careful not to inject Imitrex into a vein. This can cause a serious heart irregularity.

If your fingers turn pale, then blue, after a dose of Imitrex, you may have a circulatory problem such as hardening of the arteries. Be sure to let your doctor know.

This medication should not be used for other types of migraine headache. If the first dose does not relieve your symptoms, your doctor will re-evaluate you; you may not have migraine or cluster headache.

If your headache does not feel like any you have been experiencing, do not take Imitrex.

Use Imitrex cautiously if you have liver or kidney disease. Also, if you have any trouble with your eyes, tell your doctor.

Imitrex is not recommended for adults over 65. It has not been tested in children.

Although very rare, severe and even fatal allergic reactions have occurred in people taking Imitrex. Such reactions are more likely in people who have several allergies.

In rare cases, people have suffered seizures after taking Imitrex. Use the drug with caution if you have epilepsy or any condition that increases your risk of having a seizure.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Imitrex overdose may include:
  Bluish tinge to the skin, sluggishness, slow breathing, skin changes at the site of injection, redness in the arms and legs, paralysis, lack of coordination, inactivity, dilated pupils, convulsions, tremor

What is it used for?

• Relieving migraine attacks