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Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

 

Sumatriptan Imitrex (generic Imitrex) Review

brand name: Imitrex
generic names: Sumatriptan succinate, Sumatriptan Oral, Sumatriptan

Why is Imitrex prescribed?

Imitrex is prescribed for the treatment of a migraine attack with or without the presence of an aura (visual disturbances, usually sensations of halos or flickering lights, which precede an attack). The injectable form is also used to relieve cluster headache attacks. (Cluster headaches come on in waves, then disappear for long periods of time. They are limited to one side of the head, and occur mainly in men.)

Imitrex cuts headaches short. It will not reduce the number of attacks you experience.

Possible side effects of Imitrex (Sumatriptan) :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Burning, numbness, or tingling of the skin; warm/hot sensation; vomiting; tiredness; tingling; tight feeling in the head; throat or sinus discomfort; sick feeling; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; neck stiffness; nausea; muscle aches; mild, temporary flushing; feeling strange; feeling of heaviness, pressure, or tightness; drowsiness; dizziness; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; vision changes or loss of vision; very cold or blue fingers or toes; speech changes; shortness of breath; severe stomach pain; severe or prolonged flushing; severe headache, dizziness, or vomiting; seizures; pain, tightness, or pressure in the jaw, neck, or chest; one-sided weakness; numbness or tingling of an arm or leg; hearing problems; fast or irregular heartbeat; fainting; confusion; chest pain; bloody diarrhea; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); tightness in the chest; difficulty breathing; itching; hives; wheezing.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch .

What are sumatriptan tablets?

SUMATRIPTAN (Imitrex ® ) helps to relieve a migraine attack that starts with or without aura (a peculiar feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack). Sumatriptan is not used to prevent migraine attacks. Generic sumatriptan tablets are not yet available.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Imitrex (Sumatriptan).

• More common side effects may include:
  Burning sensation, vomiting (nasal spray), unusual taste (nasal spray), tingling, sore throat, sinus or nasal discomfort (nasal spray), redness at the site of injection, pressure sensation, numbness, neck pain and stiffness, nausea (nasal spray), muscle weakness, mouth and tongue discomfort, flushing, feeling of tightness, feeling of heaviness, dizziness or vertigo, warm/cold sensation

In addition to the above side effects, vomiting, a "pins and needles" sensation, people taking Imitrex (Sumatriptan) for cluster headache may experience nausea, or wheezing.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Imitrex (Sumatriptan) overdose may include:
  Bluish tinge to the skin, sluggishness, slow breathing, skin changes at the site of injection, redness in the arms and legs, paralysis, lack of coordination, inactivity, dilated pupils, convulsions, tremor

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•bowel disease or colitis
•diabetes
•family history of heart disease
•fast or irregular heart beat
•headaches that are different from your usual migraine
•heart or blood vessel disease, other medicines, foods, dyes, or intracranial bleeding
•postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries
•liver disease
•overweight
•poor circulation
•Raynaud's disease
•seizure disorder
•shortness of breath
•tobacco smoker
•an unusual or allergic reaction to sumatriptan, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or "mini-strokes")