Imitrex - Sumatriptan

Imitrex is the first of a class of medications commonly referred to as the "triptans". It is a specific medication for aborting migraine headaches. It is also effective in cluster headache as an abortive medication. It appears to act in migraine by binding to selected receptors for serotonin found in the blood vessels (5HT1b) and nerve endings (5HT1d). By binding to these receptors it keeps the migraine from developing or causes it to end. It does not appear to stop migraine auras.

Imitrex has been available in the United States since 1993. Formulations include a self-administered injection given under the surface of the skin (subcutaneous), nasal spray or oral tablets. In 2004, the tablets were reformulated to dissolve more quickly in the stomach. They are still swallowed as a conventional tablet, not an orally dissolving product. The oral usually reaches its maximum effect within two hours.

The oral form comes in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg tablets. The dose can be repeated after 2 hours. A maximum of 200 mg should be taken in any 24-hour period. While few patients require only 25 mg to stop a migraine, 50 mg and 100 mg are more effective. A physician can guide you to determine the most effective dose for you.

Imitrex can be effective if taken at any time after the headache develops but provide pain-free relief best when taken early in the headache, while the pain is still mild.

The Imitrex needs to be used with caution, if at all, in patients who have complicated forms of migraine such as basilar migraine or hemiplegic migraine. The same is true for patients who have poorly controlled high blood pressure. Patients who have cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular disease affecting the blood vessels should not use this medication. Patients with risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure may need further testing before using triptans.