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® (sumatriptan succinate) is a prescription drug used for the treatment of migraine headaches once they start. The drug does not help prevent migraines.
A migraine headache is a severe, intense, throbbing pain felt on one, and sometimes both, sides of the head. The pain is mostly in the front around the temples or behind one eye or ear. Besides pain, other migraine symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine pain can last a few hours or up to one or two days.
Migraine research scientists do not know the specific cause of migraines (see Migraine Causes), although they believe that overly sensitive blood vessels may play a role.
Treatment options for migraine relief will depend on a number of factors, including their severity and frequency. For some people, over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophenTylenol®) or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may be effective. For other people, stronger migraine medications are needed. One option is Imitrex.
How Does Imitrex Work to Treat Migraine Headaches?
Imitrex is part of a class of medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as “triptans”). During a migraine headache, some of the blood vessels in the head can become dilated (wider than they usually are). Imitrex works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
Imitrex should be taken as soon as possible once a migraine starts. If your headache comes back or does not go away, you may take a second dose of Imitrex after waiting at least two hours from the time you took the first dose of Imitrex tablets or Imitrex nasal spray (or one hour after the first dose of an Imitrex injection). Let your healthcare provider know if Imitrex does not work completely after one dose.
In one study, 52 to 62 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking Imitrex tablets, compared to only 27 percent who did not take Imitrex. Within four hours, as many as 79 percent of people who had taken the drug had migraine relief, compared to just 38 percent of people not taking Imitrex. Similar results were seen in studies of Imitrex nasal spray and Imitrex injection.
Imitrex is a prescription medicine used for treating migraines. It does not prevent migraines from occurring (see Migraine Prevention). Although the drug is quite effective in treating migraine headaches, it is not right for everyone (see Imitrex Warnings and Precautions). It can also cause side effects in some people, such as tingling, dizziness, and chest discomfort.
Source: http://headache.emedtv.com/imitrex/imitrex-for-migraines-p2.html
