Print this page
Email a friendDrug Library
Generic Name: Sumatriptan
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Imitrex is the first of a new kind of medicine prescribed to treat
migraines.
It works through serotonin receptors to cause constriction of
blood vessels to the brain. This in turn stops a migraine in progress.
It is effective for up to 80 percent of people with these debilitating
headaches.
Imitrex is available both as an injection for
self-administration and as tablets.
Side Effects and Interactions
Imitrex has, in rare cases, caused spasm of a
coronary artery or a change in heart rhythm. This dangerous reaction makes it
wise for people with heart disease to avoid Imitrex.
The most common
side effects include, for the injection, pain at the injection site; sensations
of warmth, cold, tingling, pressure, or tightness; flushing; pressure or pain in
the chest; drowsiness; dizziness; and fatigue.
Common reactions to
Imitrex tablets include sensations of warmth, cold, tingling, or pressure;
flushing; chest tightness; dizziness; weakness; stiff neck; and a bad taste in
the mouth.
Report symptoms or suspected side effects to the physician
promptly.
Severe allergic reactions to Imitrex are rare but dangerous.
Symptoms such as breathing difficulty or wheezing with hives or itching
may signal life-threatening anaphylactic shock and require immediate emergency
treatment.
Imitrex should not be given at the same time as
ergot-containing migraine medicine such as Cafergot, Ergostat or Wigraine.
As noted above, Imitrex is potentially very dangerous in combination
with MAO inhibitors such as Eldepryl, Nardil or Parnate.
Check with your
doctor and pharmacist to make sure Imitrex is safe in combination with any other
drugs you take.
Special Precautions
Imitrex must not be taken at the same time as MAO inhibitor medications (Eldepryl, Nardil, Parnate).
At least two weeks should go by between the last dose of an MAO inhibitor and the first dose of Imitrex.
Imitrex should not be taken within 24 hours of an ergotamine or ergot-type migraine medicine.
Imitrex is inappropriate for people who have had angina or a heart attack, or who have blockage in the coronary arteries.
People with uncontrolled high blood pressure should not take Imitrex.
Because it could cause coronary blood vessel spasm, a life-threatening condition, it should never be injected intravenously.
Imitrex may also raise blood pressure and should not be given to anyone with uncontrolled hypertension.
There is some controversy about how well it can be determined who has heart disease and therefore should not get Imitrex.
The diagnosis of migraine should be confirmed with care before Imitrex is administered, as it can be dangerous if given to people with other neurological problems.
Imitrex is inappropriate for basilar or hemiplegic migraine.
Taking the Medicine
Imitrex injection is given subcutaneously during a migraine. The first signs of relief may be
noticeable within 10 minutes, but the full effect may take an hour to develop.
Maximum dose
is two injections in 24 hours. At least one hour should go by before a second injection is
given.
Imitrex tablets are given with water or other fluids. The tablet is effective at any stage of the migraine, although the manufacturer recommends it be taken as early as possible.
If the headache returns after two hours or more, another tablet may be taken.
The maximum 24-hour dose for healthy people is 300 mg; those with chronic conditions may need to observe a lower maximum dose.
Tags:
Bookmark/Share: 
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000