Imitrex contains sumatriptan and is used to treat migraine headaches and to relieve migraine symptoms including nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to lights and sound. Sumatriptan affects the natural substance serotonin in your brain which causes blood vessels to narrow. Imitrex is used to treat migraines that have already started and do not prevent future migraines or the frequency of migraine attacks.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

Swallow Imitrex whole without splitting.
• Take Imitrex with a full glass of water.
• If your headache does not completely go away or returns after taking Imitrex, take a second dose at least two hours after the first dose.
• Overuse of migraine medication can worsen headaches.
• Do not take more than 200mg of Imitrex within a 24-hour period.
• Tell your doctor if you suffer from more than four headaches in a single month.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history particularly of blood circulation problems, headaches, heart problems, liver disease, seizure, strokes, “mini-stroke”, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease.
• If you have any other risk factors for heart problems including smoking, being overweight, having a family history of heart disease, being over 40 or postmenopausal.
• If you are pregnant or planning on pregnancy.

You should also know:

• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Imitrex.
• Imitrex should not be used by anyone younger than 18.
• Sumatriptan passes into breast milk. Do not breast-feed within twelve hours of using Imitrex. Throw away any breast milk collected via a breast pump during this time.

Common side effects of Imitrex include but are not limited to:

• Tiredness or drowsiness.
• Weakness.
• Dizziness.
• Flushing or feelings of tingling, numbness, pricking or heat.

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of Imitrex:

• Cold hands or feet or blue fingers, toes or nails.
• Hearing changes.
• Mood or mental changes.
• Fainting.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain or bloody diarrhea.
• Seizures.
• Raised blood pressure.
• Stroke symptoms including confusion, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes or a weakness in one side of the body.
• Heart attack symptoms including shortness of breath, unusual sweating pr a pain in your chest, jaw or left arm.
• Signs of serotonin syndrome including severe nausea, severe vomiting, severe diarrhea, fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation or restlessness.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat.

What else is Imitrex called?

Imitrex is also known as Imigran internationally. Imigran is the same brand name medication with a different name internationally and is not a generic alternative medication. Generic Imitrex is called sumatriptan.