What
is Imitrex?
Imitrex is a headache medicine that will
only treat a migraine or cluster headache that is
already occurring. Imitrex will not prevent migraines
or cluster headaches or reduce the number of attacks.
It is believed to work by causing vasoconstriction
(narrowing) of arteries and veins that supply blood
to your head.
What
are the most common side effects of Imitrex?
Common side effects of Imitrex include (but are not
limited to): an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue,
or face; or hives); severe or prolonged chest pain
or an irregular heartbeat. Other, less serious side
effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Imitrex and talk to your doctor if you experience
nausea, drowsiness or dizziness, tingling, flushing,
warmth, redness, or heaviness in a body part.
How
do I take Imitrex?
One tablet of Imitrex is taken at the first sign of
a migraine or during an attack. Each dose of Imitrex
is taken with a full glass of water. If your symptoms
go away, but then return, you can take additional
doses of Imitrex, as needed, up to a maximum of 300mg
in a 24 hour period, unless otherwise directed by
your physician. Do not exceed this amount of Imitrex.
What
if I miss a dose?
Since Imitrex is taken to treat migraines or cluster
headaches as they occur and not to prevent them, missing
a dose is not a problem. Only take Imitrex as prescribed
by your physician.
Are
there any drug interactions with Imitrex?
Do not take Imitrex if you:
- have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
in the last 14 days,
- have basilar or hemiplegic migraine headaches,
- have had a heart attack, have angina (chest pain),
or any another type of heart disease
have taken an ergot-based medication within the last
24 hours, or
- have taken another migraine medication in the
past 24 hours.
- Is there any additional information about Imitrex
that I should know?
- Do not take Imitrex if the headache you are having
is not like other migraines you have had. Imitrex
passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing
infant. Do not take Imitrex without consulting a
physician if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is
unknown whether Imitrex will harm an unborn baby.
Do not take Imitrex if you are pregnant or may become
pregnant during treatment without consulting a physician
first.
How
do I store Imitrex?
Imitrex should be stored at room temperature, away from
moisture, heat, light and out of the reach of children.
Throw away any unused medication on the expiration date.