Imitrex is a medication that is designed to target migraine headaches. Imitrex is the most prescribed acute migraine prescription medication in the United States. If you have migraines or think you may have migraines but have not been diagnosed, we are here to help you find the relief you need to take back control of your life.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Tablets
Chemical Name: SUMATRIPTAN (SOO-ma-trip-tan)
Common uses
Imitrex is a cerebral vasoconstrictor used to relieve migraine
headache attacks as they occur. It will not prevent or reduce the number of attacks
you experience.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Imitrex.
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine
that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE Imitrex if you are also taking monoamine
oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may
be needed if you are taking ergot alkaloids. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF Imitrex IS NOT
RECOMMENDED if you have a history of chest pain, heart conditions, arrhythmias,
high blood pressure, or stroke. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have
any questions or concerns about taking Imitrex.
Directions
Follow the directions for using Imitrex provided by your doctor.
SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. IT IS BEST TO TAKE
A DOSE OF Imitrex as soon as you notice symptoms of a migraine attack. Allow
2 hours between taking doses of Imitrex. DO NOT TAKE ADDITIONAL DOSES if
you do not get a response from the first dose. STORE Imitrex at room temperature
in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.
Cautions
Imitrex IS NOT INTENDED to prevent or reduce the number of migraine
attacks that you experience. IF YOU HAVE A HEADACHE THAT IS DIFFERENT than your
usual migraine attacks, check with your doctor before using Imitrex. BEFORE
YOU BEGIN USING Imitrex, give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all prescription
and non-prescription medicines that you are using to treat and prevent migraine
attacks. DO NOT USE ERGOT-CONTAINING MEDICINES within 24 hours of using Imitrex.
If you have questions about which medicines contain ergot, ask your doctor or
pharmacist. BEFORE USING Imitrex ALSO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you have chest
pains, heart disease, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, or diabetes. Also tell your doctor if you smoke, if you have
had a heart attack, if you have liver or kidney disease, are post-menopausal,
or have had any seizures. Keep your doctor informed if you develop any of these
conditions while you are taking Imitrex. Imitrex MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS.
Using Imitrex alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your
ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines can cause dizziness.
FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using Imitrex during pregnancy. Imitrex IS EXCRETED IN
BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using Imitrex,
check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting,
dizziness, drowsiness, or feeling sick. If they continue or are bothersome, check
with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USING ADDITIONAL DOSES if you
experience wheezing; tightness in the jaw, neck, or chest; chest pain; or heart
throbbing. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY AND DO NOT USE ANY MORE OF Imitrex
if you experience shortness of breath, swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips,
or develop a skin rash or hives. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from
doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include tremor, chest
pain, slowed breathing, and seizures.
Additional information
If Imitrex does not stop or decrease the severity of your migraine attack
or if your symptoms become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE Imitrex
with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE Imitrex for other
health conditions. KEEP Imitrex out of the reach of children and pets. IF
USING Imitrex FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your
supply runs out.
