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.
Manufacturer of Imitrex
The medication is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
Imitrex is part of a class of migraine 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.
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 Imitrex had migraine relief, compared to just 38 percent of people not taking it. Similar results were seen in studies of Imitrex Nasal Spray and Imitrex Injection.
When and How to Take Imitrex
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Imitrex comes in tablets, a nasal spray, and an injection.
- It should be taken as soon as possible once a migraine starts.
- Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water or other fluids.
- The nasal spray and injection both come with pamphlets that describe exactly how to use them.
- If your headache comes back or does not go away, you may take a second dose 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 Imitrex Injection). Let your healthcare provider know if the medication does not work completely after one dose.
- For the medicine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
Source: http://headache.emedtv.com/imitrex/imitrex.html
