Imitrex
Imitrex (generic name: Sumatriptan) is an antimigraine medicine. Migraine headaches are believed to result from dilatation of the blood vessels in the head. Imitrex sumatriptan causes constriction of the blood vessels, thus relieving migraine headache. While it is very effective in relieving migraine, it does not prevent or reduce the number of attacks of migraine.
Imitrex (Sumatriptan) is metabolized mainly by the liver and dosages may need to be reduced in patients with liver dysfunction. Imitrex can cause elevation of blood pressure and spasm of the coronary arteries of the heart. Sumatriptan should be avoided by patients with coronary artery disease (patients with angina pectoris and a history of heart attacks), and by patients with poorly controlled high blood pressure. It is administered with caution to patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease ( high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated blood cholesterol, obesity, cigarette smoking, and strong family history of heart attacks). In some patients, the first dose of imitrex can be given in the physician’s office to monitor any adverse heart events.
Imitrex should not be administered along with ergot type migraine medications, or with MAO inhibitors. Sumatriptan and ergotamine together can cause prolonged spasm of the blood vessels. Therefore, the use of these two medications should be separated by at least 24 hours. Safe use in children has not been established. Rarely, seizures after imitrex administration have been reported in patients with epilepsy.
Imitrex side effects
For many migraine sufferers sumatriptan, appropriately used, has been a valuable and effective treatment in aborting attacks. Side effects are generally transient. Some common side effects include pain or tightness in the chest or throat, tingling, flushing, weakness, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, and sweating. Rarely, allergic reactions (even anaphylaxis) have been reported, usually in individuals who are highly allergic to multiple allergens.
