Imitrex

The active ingredient in Imitrex is sumatriptan succinate, which is considered a serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist or triptan. It works by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain, causing the blood vessels to constrict (narrow). It also decreases the release of certain proteins that cause inflammation and pain. This helps to relieve the throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound commonly experienced during migraines.

It's important to note that Imitrex is not a preventive medication for migraines. It is also not approved as a treatment option for cluster headaches. It is intended for the acute treatment of migraine attacks and should not be used for more than 4 headaches per month to avoid medication-overuse headaches.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Imitrex. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Imitrex:

• Timing of Use: Take Imitrex at the first sign of a migraine headache.
• Form: Imitrex is available in different dosage forms, including tablets, nasal sprays, and injections. Use the form that your doctor has prescribed.

Imitrex tablets:

• Swallow whole with water.
• Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Imitrex nasal spray:

• It is best known for its treatment of acute migraines.
• Blow your nose gently before use.
• Remove the protective cap and keep your head upright.
• Close one nostril, insert the spray tip into the other nostril, and press the plunger.
• Breathe in gently through your nose and out through your mouth.

Imitrex injection:

• Follow the instructions provided for the pre-filled autoinjector or syringe.
• Administer the injection subcutaneously (under the skin) in the outer thigh or upper arm.
• Do not inject into a vein or muscle.

Second Dose:

• If the migraine is not relieved or comes back, you may take a second dose at least 2 hours after the first dose (for tablets and nasal spray) or at least 1 hour after the first injection.
• Do not take more than two doses in 24 hours.

Maximum Dosage:

• Do not exceed 200 mg in a 24-hour period (for tablets).
• Do not exceed 40 mg in a 24-hour period (for nasal spray).
• Do not exceed 12 mg in a 24-hour period (for injections).

Avoid Overuse: Do not use Imitrex for more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period without consulting your doctor.

The most common side effects of Imitrex seen in clinical trials include:

• Feeling too warm or too cold
• Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes
• Chest pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness
• Drowsiness
• Pain, tightness, or pressure in the neck, jaw, or throat

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Imitrex. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Heart Problems: Life-threatening symptoms may include heart attack, dangerously high blood pressure, chest pain, severe headache, difficulty breathing, and irregular heartbeat.
• Increased monitoring should happen with patients who show risk factors for heart issues.
• Stroke: Look for sudden weakness on one side of the body, severe headache, changes in speech or vision, and confusion.
• Serotonin Syndrome: Symptoms include rapid heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremors, muscle stiffness or twitching, uncoordinated movements, and hallucinations.
• Allergic Reaction: Signs may include rash or hives, swelling of the face or throat, and difficulty breathing.
• Narrowing of Blood Vessels: This can cause bloody diarrhea, severe stomach pain, partial or permanent blindness, tightness, weakness, or numbness in the legs or feet.
• Seizures
• This can happen if you have a history of seizures, but can also happen if you have never had them as well. Get medical help right away if you have a seizure while taking Imitrex.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Imitrex. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Imitrex, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Or have had a stroke or "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack)
• Personal or family history of heart problems such as coronary artery disease, coronary artery vasospasm, angina, or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (a heart disorder)
• Blood circulation problems in your arms, legs, stomach, heart, kidneys, or intestines
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Headache that is different from your usual migraine headache
• Severe liver disease or liver problems
• Epilepsy
• Ischemic bowel disease

• History of stroke, transient ischemic attack, hemiplegic migraine, or basilar migraine
• History of coronary artery disease or coronary artery vasospasm
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or other disorders related to cardiac accessory conduction pathways
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Ischemic bowel disease
• Recent use (within 24 hours) of another 5-HT1 agonist or a medication containing ergotamine

Imitrex’s half-life is around 2 hours. In most cases, a drug stays in your system for 4 to 5 half-lives, so Imitrex stays in your system for around 8 to 10 hours.

Imitrex typically begins to work within 15 to 30 minutes after administration. Full relief of migraine symptoms may occur within an hour, though this can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the migraine.

When Imitrex is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Ergot-containing medications
• Examples include: dihydroergotamine or ergotamine
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)/Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

-These are antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and duloxetine

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Other 5-HT1 agonists such as Frova (frovatriptan)
• Do not take Imitrex if you have taken another medication that treats migraine symptoms within the last 24 hours

Imitrex comes in tablet form in the following dosage strengths:

• 25 mg
• 50 mg
• 100 mg

Imitrex also comes in a nasal spray form in the following dosage strengths:

• 5 mg per spray
• 20 mg per spray

Imitrex also comes in injection form in the following single-dose dosage strengths:

• 4 mg single-dose prefilled syringe cartridge
• 6 mg single-dose prefilled syringe cartridge

Room Temperature: Store Imitrex at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Avoid Moisture: Keep the medication in its original packaging to protect it from moisture.

Protect from Light: Store it away from direct light.

Keep Out of Reach of Children: Ensure that Imitrex is stored in a secure place where children cannot access it.

Do Not Freeze: Avoid freezing the nasal spray, as this could affect its efficacy.

Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Lower-cost generics are available for the brand-name medication Imitrex.

Related medications include Maxalt (rizatriptan), Amerge (naratriptan), Axert (almotriptan), and Relpax (eletriptan).

To stop taking Imitrex, consult your healthcare provider for guidance, as they will determine the best approach based on your condition. Imitrex is typically used as needed for migraine attacks, so if you no longer need it, your doctor can help adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

It is currently unknown if Imitrex will hurt or affect an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Imitrex can pass into your breast milk, although it is thought that it will not affect your baby or milk production. However, the manufacturer of Imitrex recommends avoiding breastfeeding for at least 12 hours after taking a dose of the medication. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.