Imitrex, also commonly known by its generic name as Sumatriptan, is a highly potent triptan used in the pharmaceutical industry for treating migraine and cluster headaches. Imitrex relieves headaches by directly constricting blood vessels in the brain, which in turn reduces the inflammation and pressure that is causing the pain associated with headaches and migraines.
Although Imitrex is a highly effective and fast-acting pain reliever for migraines, it should only be taken if prescribed by a professional healthcare provider since not all headaches qualify to be treated as migraines.
Uses of Imitrex
Imitrex is primarily used to treat:
- Migraines - Imitrex is highly effective in the treatment of migraine episodes.
- Cluster headaches - Imitrex provides great relief and comfort to patients suffering from the severe pain that’s usually caused by cluster headaches.
Although Imitrex might also be effective for other types of headaches, its use is currently limited to migraines and cluster headaches.
How does Imitrex work?
Imitrex’s effectiveness as a pain reliever for migraine patients is linked to its mechanism of action.
Vasoconstriction: Imitrex narrows the dilated blood vessels around the brain, hence reducing the pressure that was causing the headache or migraine.
Neurotransmitter regulation: Imitrex regulates serotonin levels to maintain an optimum balance that allows the brain to function without triggering migraines.
Pain relief: This triptan also directly targets specific receptors in the brain to alleviate the pain associated with migraines and cluster headaches.
Imitrex also reduces other substances in the body that can cause or trigger light sensitivity, headaches, or any other symptoms that can lead to migraine episodes.
Precautions
Before you start an Imitrex dosage, always ensure that you fully brief your doctor on any allergies or pre-existing medical conditions you may have. This includes conditions such;
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Epilepsy or any other seizure disorders
It is important that you also disclose if you’re currently underusing any medications or supplements such as;
- Opioid medicine
- Herbal supplements
- Steroids
Imitrex Recommended Dosages
Imitrex users are normally advised to take this medication only when symptoms of a migraine are felt, hence it does not have the usual time-based dosage schedule associated with most medicines.
Instead of regular time intervals, Imitrex’s dosage instructions focus on the amounts one can in a single day.
Adults
Typically, the average dosage prescribed to an adult suffering from migraines is 50 mg or 100 mg.
Teenagers (12-17 years)
For the young ones, a dose of 25 mg to 50 mg is deemed appropriate.
Children
Imitrex is not available for prescription to children under the age of 12 years.
Under no condition should your dosage exceed 20 mg within a period of 24 hours.
The duration of treatment varies depending on two key factors:
- The patient’s recovery rate.
- The patient’s overall health.
Always keep in mind that dosages vary depending on the medical condition and the patient’s overall health. It is therefore very important to ensure you strictly follow the guidelines given by your doctor when taking any medication.
Missed Dosage & Overdose Instructions
Overdose
Overdosing on Imitrex can cause blood to turn from red to green, a rare condition known as sulfhemoglobinemia. This condition reverses itself in a couple of weeks once you stop taking the medication.
In case of an overdose seek medical attention immediately.
Signs of an overdose may include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Chest pain
Missed Dosage
If due to one reason or another you miss any of your dosages, don’t panic, instead just wait until you experience any more migraines before taking Imitrex.
Under no circumstances should you ever take extra doses to compensate.
Common Side Effects of Imitrex
Like any other medication, Imitrex too has several side effects ranging from mild to severe.
Some of the commonly reported symptoms include:
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle Cramps
- Nightmares
- Stomach aches
In some isolated cases patients have reported some less common side effects; Ensure that you immediately report any abnormal symptoms to your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Anxiety
- Changes in speech pattern.
- Impaired Vision
- Breathing difficulties
- Swollen limbs
- Twitching
Please note that this is not a conclusive list of all the side effects associated with the use of Imitrex. As with many other pharmaceutical drugs, different individuals may exhibit varied side effects. It is therefore advisable to inform your doctor of any new symptoms or discomfort during the treatment.
Precaution
Although there are no conclusive findings on the impact of Imitrex it is not recommended for pregnant women unless under extreme circumstances where the benefits outweigh the risk. This is because studies in animals have found evidence linking the drug to defects and abnormalities in the development of embryos.
In the case of breastfeeding, mothers are advised to avoid nursing their young ones for a period of 8-12 hours after taking Imitrex
Storage Guidelines
- Store in a closed container at room temperature.
- Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Keep out of the reach of children.