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Why is Imitrex prescribed?
Imitrex is used to relieve migraine headache symptoms. However,
it will not prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks
you have.
Sumatriptan
succinate is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more information.
How
should Imitrex be used?
Imitrex comes as a tablet to take by mouth and a nasal spray.
It should be used at the first sign of a migraine headache. If you
are at risk for heart disease and you have never taken Imitrex before,
you may need to take the first dose in your doctor's office. Usually
only one dose is needed. If pain is not relieved with the first
dose, your doctor may prescribe a second dose to be taken after
at least 2 hours. Do not take more than 200mg of the tablets or
40 mg of the nasal spray in any 24-hour period. Follow the directions
on your label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist
to explain any part you do not understand. Take Imitrex exactly
as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor.
Take
the tablet with plenty of water or other fluids.
To
use the nasal spray, follow the package directions or ask or your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Imitrex : Full
Prescribing Information
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking imitrex, --
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Imitrex or
any other drugs.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what
medications you are taking, especially fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem),
fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and
vitamins. If you have taken an MAO inhibitor [phenelzine (Nardil)
or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] during the past 2 weeks, do not take
Imitrex. If you have taken another medication for migraine headaches
such as dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), methysergide (Sansert),
naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT), or zolmitriptan
(Zomig) during the past 24 hours, do not take Imitrex.
-- tell your doctor if you smoke, if you have a strong family history
of heart disease, if you are postmenopausal, or if you are a man
over 40. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high
blood pressure; angina (recurring chest pain); a heart attack; diabetes;
high cholesterol; obesity; stroke; transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke);
ischemic bowel disease; coronary artery disease; seizures; or blood
vessel, kidney, or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Sumatriptan
succinate, call your doctor.
-- you should know that Sumatriptan succinate may make you drowsy.
Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this
drug affects you.
-- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Sumatriptan
succinate.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Sumatriptan is not for routine use. Use it only to relieve your
migraine headache as soon as symptoms of the migraine appear.
What
side effects can Imitrex cause?
Although side effects from Imitrex are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
- flushing
- tingling feeling
- feeling of warmth or heaviness
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- irritation of the nose
- muscle cramps
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- pain
or tightness in chest or throat
- sudden or severe stomach pain
- fast heartbeat
- difficulty breathing
- wheezing
- redness, swelling, or itching of the eyelids, face, or lips
- skin rash, lumps, or hives
- change in vision
What storage conditions are needed for Imitrex?
Keep Sumatriptan succinate in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature,
away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw
away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to
your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Call
your doctor if you continue to have symptoms.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have.
Imitrex : Full
Prescribing Information |
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