Is Imitrex Safe During Pregnancy?

By Norman Dett, February 7th, 2010 posted in Uncategorized - No Comments »

Some people may wonder, “Is Imitrex safe during pregnancy?” The FDA has classified Imitrex as a pregnancy Category C medication, meaning that the drug may not be safe to take during pregnancy. Imitrex and pregnancy have not been tested together in humans, so the drug’s possible effects on an unborn child are unknown. However, Imitrex did cause problems to fetuses in previous animal studies.

An Overview of Imitrex and Pregnancy

Imitrex for Migraines

By Norman Dett, December 14th, 2009 posted in Uncategorized - No Comments »

Many people experience migraine relief when taking Imitrex. The drug, which is available in tablet, nasal spray, or injectable form, works by narrowing blood vessels believed to become dilated during a migraine. When returned to their normal state, migraine symptoms often improve. Although the medication can be taken once a migraine starts, it cannot be taken to prevent migraines.

An Overview of Migraines and Imitrex

Imitrex Alternatives

By Norman Dett, December 7th, 2009 posted in Uncategorized - No Comments »

For the treatment of migraine headaches, there are a number of alternatives to Imitrex. Lifestyle changes and medications can be among these Imitrex alternatives. Some examples of lifestyle changes that may improve migraines include getting regular exercise, receiving biofeedback for migraines, and preventing migraine triggers (which include certain foods or stressful situations). Triptans and ergot medications are among the alternative drugs sometimes used to treat migraines.

Alternatives to Imitrex: An Overview

Generic Imitrex

By Norman Dett, November 25th, 2009 posted in Uncategorized - No Comments »

At this time, generic Imitrex is available in four strengths. The generic versions are only available in tablet and injection form — it is unknown when a generic form of Imitrex nasal spray will be available.

Generic Imitrex: An Overview

Imitrex Warnings

By Norman Dett, November 15th, 2009 posted in Uncategorized - No Comments »

A few of the conditions that you should let your healthcare provider know about before taking Imitrex include depression, epilepsy, and high blood pressure. Among the people who should not take Imitrex are those with a history of angina or heart disease. Some other Imitrex warnings and precautions include potential drug interactions, the risk of a heart attack or vision problems in some people who take Imitrex, and the safety of taking the medicine if you have risk factors for heart disease or are taking antidepressants.

Imitrex: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

• Heart problems of any kind, especially a history of heart disease, angina, an irregular heart rhythm, or a heart attack
• A history of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA or “mini-stroke), or other bleeding in the brain (such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Certain blood vessel conditions, such as peripheral vascular disease, ischemic bowel disease, or Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
• Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
• A history of seizures
• Epilepsy
• Depression
• Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Imitrex Uses

By Norman Dett, November 7th, 2009 posted in Uncategorized - No Comments »

Imitrex is used to relieve the symptoms of a migraine headache once it has started. The medicine is not, however, effective at preventing migraines from occurring. Imitrex works by narrowing blood vessels of the head that become dilated during a migraine headache. “Off-label” Imitrex uses include the treatment of cluster headaches. Imitrex has not been adequately studied in people less than 18 years of age.

What Is Imitrex Used For?

• Headache pain on one side of the head
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Throbbing headache pain
• Upset stomach (nausea) and vomiting
• Unusual vision changes.

Imitrex Overdose

By Norman Dett, November 1st, 2009 posted in Uncategorized - No Comments »

As with any medication, it is possible to overdose on Imitrex. Symptoms of an Imitrex overdose may include seizures, paralysis, or shakiness. Treating an Imitrex overdose could involve pumping the stomach or administering fluids through an intravenous line (IV). If you began treatment with Imitrex and overdosed, and/or believe you may have overdosed, seek medical attention immediately.

Imitrex Overdose: An Overview

Imitrex Side Effects

By Norman Dett, October 24th, 2009 posted in Uncategorized - No Comments »

A few common side effects of Imitrex include chest tightness or pressure; dizziness; and abnormal sensations, such as tingles, warmth, or numbness. Side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider include shortness of breath; bloody diarrhea; or sudden, severe stomach pain. Decreased or increased blood pressure, breast tenderness, and asthma are rare, but can occur.

Imitrex Side Effects: An Introduction

What Is Imitrex?

By Norman Dett, October 20th, 2009 posted in Uncategorized - No Comments »

Imitrex is a prescription drug used for the treatment of migraine headaches once they start. The drug does not help prevent migraines. A migraine occurs when some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated. This medication works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping return them to their normal state. Tingling, dizziness, and chest discomfort are a few common side effects of this drug. Imitrex — which comes in a tablet form, a nasal spray, and an injection — should be taken only during a migraine, not on a regular basis.

Imitrex^® (sumatriptan succinate) is a prescription medication that is used to treat migraine headaches. Imitrex will not help to prevent migraines, but it can help to treat a migraine that is already occurring. The injectable form of the drug is also approved for the acute treatment of cluster headaches.

How Imitrex Works

By Jen Sarr, October 6th, 2009 posted in Uncategorized - No Comments »

A migraine is caused, at least in part, by the dilation (widening) of certain blood vessels in the brain. Serotonin, which is also called 5-hydroxytryptamine, is a neurotransmitter that constricts blood vessels. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send messages from one neuron (brain cell) to another, or from a neuron to a tissue (such as blood vessels). Imitrex is called a serotonin-agonist because it acts like serotonin, activating serotonin receptors on the blood vessels. Activation of these receptors constricts the blood vessels which relieves the pain of migraines. Imitrex also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headaches and relieve other migraine symptoms, including nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.