What is Imitrex?

Imitrex Sumatriptan is a headache medicine. It works to narrow the blood vessels around the brain. It also reduces materials in the body that can cause headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.

What should I inform doctor before using it?

You should tell your health care provider if you are allergic to Sumatriptan, or if you have:

• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure; or
• severe liver disease,
• a history of heart disease, angina (chest pain), blood circulation problems, or history of a heart attack or stroke;
• ischemic bowel disease

How should I use it?

Take one dose of Imitrex by mouth at the first symptoms of a migraine attack. If your headache never removes, then take a second dose, exactly as instructed by your doctor. Do not take more than 200mg in a 24 hour period. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew them. If you are new to this medication and you have risk of heart disease, your doctor may advise you to take the very first dose in his office in order to check serious heart problems (e.g., heart attack).

What are potential side effects?

Imitrex Sumatriptan like any medicines may cause side effects. There are both common as well as serious side effects. Consult your doctor if you experience any of common side effects that endure or become annoying. These most common side effects are dizziness; drowsiness; feeling of heaviness, sick feeling; throat or sinus discomfort; burning, numbness, or tingling of the skin; pressure, or tightness; feeling strange; mild, temporary flushing; muscle aches; nausea; neck stiffness; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; tight feeling in the head; tingling; tiredness; vomiting; warm/hot sensation; weakness. Other adverse effects can also occur.

What drug(s) may interact with Generic for Imitrex?

Many drugs can increase the effects of Imitrex, which can lead to heavy sedation. So this drug must not be taken with medications such as amphetamine or cocaine, almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, Dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, eroloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication. Some drugs for weight loss also should be avoided such as dexfenfluramine, dextroamphetamine, fenfluramine, or sibutramine. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, and selegiline) should not be taken with this drug.

Several other drugs may also interact with this medication. Consult your prescriber or health care professional about other medicines that may increase its effect before you take any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What should I avoid while using Imitrex?

This drug must not be used with alcohol because it may increase drowsiness/dizziness effects. Don’t engage in engaging in activities requiring alertness since this medication may cause drowsiness. Make use of caution while using machinery. Imitrex can result in side effects that may harm your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid using it in children.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take this drug as directed only when you feel a migraine attack. Do not take it regularly. Do not "double-up" the dose.

What happens if I overdose?

If overdose is suspected, call your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.