Imitrex

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

bowel disease or colitis

diabetes

family history of heart disease

fast or irregular heart beat

heart or blood vessel disease, angina (chest pain), or previous heart attack

high blood pressure

high cholesterol

history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or mini-strokes), or intracranial bleeding

kidney or liver disease

overweight

poor circulation

postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries

Raynaud's disease

seizure disorder

an unusual or allergic reaction to sumatriptan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine is taken at the first symptoms of a migraine. It is not for everyday use. If your migraine headache returns after one dose, you can take another dose as directed. You must leave at least 2 hours between doses, and do not take more than 100 mg as a single dose. Do not take more than 200 mg total in any 24 hour period. If there is no improvement at all after the first dose, do not take a second dose without talking to your doctor or health care professional. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply; this medicine is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

amphetamine or cocaine

dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergoloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication - do not take within 24 hours of taking sumatriptan

feverfew

MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate - do not take sumatriptan within 2 weeks of stopping MAOI therapy

other migraine medicines like almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan - do not take within 24 hours of taking sumatriptan

tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

lithium

medicines for mental depression, anxiety or mood problems

medicines for weight loss such as dexfenfluramine, dextroamphetamine, fenfluramine, or sibutramine

St. John's wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Only take this medicine for a migraine headache. Take it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. It is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of heart-related side effects from using this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

breathing problems

changes in vision

chest or throat pain, tightness

fast, slow, or irregular heart beat

hallucinations

ncreased or decreased blood pressure

problems with balance, talking, walking

seizures

severe stomach pain and cramping, bloody diarrhea

tingling, pain, or numbness in the face, hands or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

drowsiness

feeling warm, flushing, or redness of the face

muscle pain or cramps

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or stomach upset

weak or tired

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.