Imitrex (Sumatriptan)

Do's

• Take Imitrex by mouth, as directed by your healthcare provider, at the first sign of a migraine. 
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for taking Imitrex, including dose, timing (at first sign of migraine), and whether to take it with or without food. 
• Inform your healthcare provider if you have a higher risk for heart problems. They may need to monitor you or perform a heart exam before prescribing Imitrex. 
• Talk to your healthcare provider immediately if you feel you need to use Imitrex more frequently if it's not working effectively, or if your headaches worsen.   

Don'ts

• Never exceed the prescribed dose of Imitrex in a 24-hour period (200mg orally, 100mg if used after sumatriptan injection). 
• Do not take more than one dose of Imitrex without first consulting your healthcare provider, even if your symptoms don't improve completely. A second dose may be taken only two hours after the first and only if your healthcare provider advises and your headache partially returns. 
• Do not overuse Imitrex (or other migraine medications) for 10 or more days a month, as it can worsen your headaches (medication overuse headache). 

Common side effects may include:

• Pain or tight feeling in the chest, throat, or jaw
• Pressure or heavy feeling in any part of the body
• Numbness or tingling, feeling hot or cold
• Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness
• Unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth after using the nasal medicine
• Pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the nose or throat after using the nasal medicine
• Runny or stuffy nose after using the nasal medicine

Serious side effects that may occur include:

• Signs of a stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance
• Serious heart problems, such as heart attack, with symptoms like severe pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, arm, throat, neck, or jaw, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Allergic reactions, which can be identified by symptoms like rash, swelling, itching, blistering, or peeling of the skin
• Reduced blood flow to the stomach or intestines, which may manifest as unexplained weight loss

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Imitrex,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, including to Imitrex itself or its inactive ingredients.

Disclose your medical history, especially related to:

• Circulation problems in limbs or stomach.
• Certain types of headaches (hemiplegic or basilar migraine).
• Heart problems (chest pain, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack).
• Liver disease, seizures, strokes, or mini-strokes.

Be aware of risk factors that increase the chance of heart problems with Imitrex, such as:

• High blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes.
• Family history of heart disease.
• Being overweight, a smoker, or postmenopausal (women).
• Being over 40 years old (men).

Dizziness and drowsiness are possible. Avoid activities requiring alertness (driving, operating machinery) until these effects subside.

Alcohol and marijuana can worsen these effects. Limit alcohol and discuss marijuana use with your healthcare provider.

Inform your healthcare provider or dentist about all medications (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal) before any surgery.

Increased risks of heart disease, liver disease, and high blood pressure exist, making older adults more susceptible to side effects like increased blood pressure and heart problems.

Use Imitrex only when clearly necessary during pregnancy. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding, as Imitrex passes into breast milk in small amounts.

Overusing migraine medications (including Imitrex) for 10 or more days a month can worsen headaches.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel the need to use Imitrex more frequently, it's not working effectively, or your headaches worsen.