Imitrex (Sumatriptan) Review

Imitrex, which is generically prescribed as sumatriptan, is commonly used to treat migraines and cluster headaches. Imitrex is most often prescribed as an injection. It is ineffective in preventing migraines or cluster headaches, however it has been proven effective in treating these painful conditions once the pain has begun.

Imitrex is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. A patient with a medical history that includes heart disease, angina, circulation problems, heart attack, stroke, ischemic bowel disease, severe liver disease, severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, or the recent use of certain medications can not take Imitrex. Patients who have used an MAO inhibitor within the previous 14 days can not use Imitrex without the risk of deadly interactions. Patients with a medical history that includes liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, seizure disorder, coronary artery disease, or the risk factors for coronary artery disease may not be able to take Imitrex or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Imitrex, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Imitrex as a pregnancy risk category C, which means that this medication may cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. Imitrex does pass into the mother’s breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to a pregnant or nursing woman, or a woman who is likely to become pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Imitrex, some of which are severe. A patient who is experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms that include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require immediate emergency medical attention include symptoms such as sudden pain or weakness that dominates one side of the body, chest pain or heaviness that involves the arm, sudden headache with confusion, lack of coordination, problems with speech or balance, and pain behind the eye, agitation, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden or severe stomach pain with bloody diarrhea, convulsions, or numbness, tingling, or blueness of the fingers or toes.

Other serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, warmth or redness under the skin, pressure or heaviness in any part of the body, sneezing, cough, runny nose, congestion, pain or redness at the injection sight, dizziness, sleepiness, drooling, or sweating. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Imitrex.

Imitrex should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. Often one dose is enough to alleviate the pain. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms that include tremors, convulsions, skin redness, breathing problems, blue lips or fingernails, vision problems, watery eyes, weakness, or lack of coordination.

There is a risk of drug interactions associated with Imitrex. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Patients who have taken almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan, zolmatriptan, or any ergot medication within 24 hours can not take Imitrex without the possibility of life threatening interactions. Antidepressants and other headache medications can cause serious drug interactions.