IMITREX

Who is Imitrex for ?

Sumatriptan is used to relieve migraine headache symptoms. However, it will not prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks you have. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When should I be careful taking Imitrex ?

Before taking sumatriptan,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sumatriptan or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially ergot-containing medications for migraine headaches (DHE 45 and Ergostat), MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)] even if these were stopped for 2 weeks, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure; angina (recurring chest pain); a heart attack; diabetes; high cholesterol; obesity; coronary artery disease; 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, call your doctor.
• you should know that this drug 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 this drug.

Side Effects

Although side effects from sumatriptan 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
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• muscle cramps

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• pain or tightness in chest or throat
• fast heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing
• redness, swelling, or itching of the eyelids, face, or lips
• skin rash, lumps, or hives
• change in vision