Imitrex

Generic Name

• Sumatriptan succinate.

Brand Names

• Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Imitrex Statdose.

General Information

Imitrex is a headache medicine. Imitrex should be taken as soon as your symptoms appear, but may be used at any time during an attack. It is believed to work by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain. Imitrex also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms. Imitrex tablets and nasal spray are used to treat migraine headaches. Imitrex can cause serious side effects on the heart, including heart attack or stroke. Although these side effects are rare, do not use this medication if you have a history of heart disease, angina (chest pain), blood circulation problems, ischemic bowel disease, severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, or history of a heart attack or stroke. Imitrex will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks. In addition, the drug should not be prescribed if you have certain types of heart or blood vessel disease, including angina (crushing chest pain) or a history of heart attack, stroke, mini-strokes, or other circulatory problems. Imitrex is not recommended for adults over 65. It has not been tested in children.

Imitrex Dosage

• The maximum single recommended adult dose is 6 milligrams injected under the skin.
• The maximum recommended dose that may be given within 24 hours is two 6 milligram injections taken at least 1 hour apart.

Imitrex Tablets:

• The usual adult dose is one 25-, 50-, or 100-milligram tablet taken with water or other liquid.
• If you have liver disease, you should not take more than 50 milligrams of Imitrex Tablets at one time.

Imitrex Nasal Spray:

• The recommended adult dose ranges from 5 to 20 milligrams taken when the attack begins and repeated once, if necessary, 2 hours later.
• Doses are usually taken as a single spray in one nostril, but if a 10-milligram dose works best for you, you can take it as a 5-milligram spray in each nostril.

Side Effects of Imitrex

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness.
• Fast heart rate.
• Sudden and severe stomach pain and bloody diarrhea.
• Muscle pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body.
• Lack of coordination.

Warnings and precautions before taking Imitrex

• Do not use more than 40 mg of Imitrex nasal spray in 24 hours.
• Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Imitrex.
• It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Do not take without talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• Be careful not to inject Imitrex into a vein. This can cause a serious heart irregularity.
• If your headache does not feel like any you have been experiencing, do not take Imitrex.

Overdosage

• Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.
• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• Symptoms of a Imitrex overdose may include seizure, tremors or shaking, skin redness, breathing problems, blue-colored lips or fingernails, vision problems, watery eyes or mouth, and weakness.
• US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

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