How does imitrex work
What does Imitrex do to the body?
Imitrex (sumatriptan) is a headache medicine that narrows blood vessels around the brain. Sumatriptan also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.
Why does Imitrex work so well?
Imitrex works by binding with 5-HT1B/1D receptors on blood vessels in the brain. It narrows the blood vessels (constriction) in the brainstem. It also reduces the inflammatory substances in the body that can trigger head pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sensitivity to sound, and other migraine symptoms.
What is the mechanism of action of Imitrex?
Sumatriptan is a sulfonamide triptan with vasoconstrictor activity. Sumatriptan selectively binds to and activates serotonin 5-HT1D receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), thereby constricting cerebral blood vessels. This may lead to a relief in pain from vascular headaches.
How does sumatriptan make you feel?
The more common side effects that can occur with use of sumatriptan tablets include: feeling warm or cold. tingling or prickling sensations in your skin. pressure or pain in your chest, neck, jaw, or throat.
Does Imitrex work if you already have a migraine?
Imitrex tablets may also be used if your migraine returns after an initial Imitrex injection. If your migraine doesn’t improve at all with your first dose, don’t take a second dose without talking with your doctor first. Don’t take more than 200 mg of Imitrex tablets in 24 hours.
Why is sumatriptan bad?
Taking too much sumatriptan may make you very ill. An overdose can cause fainting, slowed heart rate, vomiting, loss of bladder and bowel control, and sleepiness. It can narrow your blood vessels leading to heart problems such as chest pains, abnormal heart rhythm or a heart attack.
Why is 9 Imitrex a month?
However, some prescription plans use this statement to mean a maximum of 4 treatment days per month with an average of 1 ½ doses per headache, thus limiting coverage to 6 pills per month. Since Imitrex comes in packages of 9, you are allowed 9 per month.
Why won’t my migraine go away even with medication?
You might need to speak with your doctor about stopping or changing those medications. Your doctor may prescribe medications specifically for migraines that can prevent the headaches from occurring. They may also prescribe pain medications that are stronger than OTC options to stop your symptoms once they’ve begun.
Is Imitrex addictive?
If you’re taking sumatriptan for the first time, you may have questions about its safety and whether it’s addictive. Sumatriptan isn’t a habit-forming narcotic, but it is possible to overuse migraine medications. One result is a medication overuse headache (MOH) or “rebound headache” (Diener, 20014).
Can I take ibuprofen with sumatriptan?
No interactions were found between ibuprofen and sumatriptan. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
What can you not take with sumatriptan?
do not take sumatriptan if you have taken any of the following medications in the past 24 hours: other selective serotonin receptor agonists such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); or ergot-type medications such as …
Does Imitrex have caffeine in it?
Welcome to MyMigraineConnection! None of the Migraine abortive medications have caffeine in them: Triptans: Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Amerge, Relpax, Axert, Frova. Imitrex is now available as the generic sumatriptan or combined with naproxen sodium in Treximet.
Does Imitrex raise blood pressure?
Blood pressure: Sumatriptan may cause an increase in blood pressure. If you have severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, do not take sumatriptan. Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Drowsiness may occur as a result of taking this medication.
Why does sumatriptan make my body hurt?
These results suggest that mild vasoconstriction in peripheral skeletal muscle is associated with the action of sumatriptan and is likely to be the source of the side-effects experienced by some users.
Does drinking water help a migraine?
In addition to drinking other beverages, it’s important to drink enough water throughout the day. Doing so helps prevent a common trigger of migraine attacks: dehydration. You can also prevent dehydration by drinking water before and after exercise, as well as more during warmer weather.
Can I take Excedrin and Imitrex?
No interactions were found between Excedrin Tension Headache and sumatriptan. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Is it OK to take Tylenol with sumatriptan?
No interactions were found between sumatriptan and Tylenol. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Is Coke good for headaches?
Does Coke or Pepsi help with headaches? Coke contains caffeine, which can reduce headache pain. But Coke is also high in sugar, which has negative health impacts. If you use caffeine to reduce headache pain, opt for a beverage with little or no sugar, such as coffee or tea.
Is Pedialyte good for migraines?
Hydration
Dehydration can contribute to a headache, but it can be easily avoided. Grabbing a good old-fashioned glass of water can help as much as an electrolyte-containing beverage such as Pedialyte, Gatorade, or Powerade. But just as there are drinks that can reduce headaches, there are those that can trigger them.
Is ginger ale good for headaches?
Drink ginger ale
If you’re having a headache or migraine attack, try sipping ginger ale. It may reduce your headache pain and help calm a migraine-related upset stomach.
What is the strongest medication for migraines?
Triptans. Prescription drugs such as sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosymra) and rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT) are used to treat migraine because they block pain pathways in the brain. Taken as pills, shots or nasal sprays, they can relieve many symptoms of migraine.