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:: What is Imitrex?
Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) a FDA-approved pain-relief medication used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks. Imitrex is classified as a 5-HT1 agonist and is made by GlaxoSmithKline, based in Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
You can buy brand Imitrex by going to our Imitrex price comparison page  where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Imitrex prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Imitrex online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Imitrex?
Patients who suffer acute migraine attacks should take Imitrex. Imitrex does not prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks you experience. Imitrex does relieve your migraine once you get an attack.
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:: Who should not take Imitrex?
You should not take Imitrex if you:
- Have cardiovascular disease including angina, history of heart attack, history of
stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIA’s), ischemic bowel disease or
uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Are currently taking or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within 14
days.
- Are taking or have taken other migraine medications including other 5-HT1
agonists or medications containing ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, or methysergide within 24 hours.
- Are allergic to Imitrex, sumatriptan or any of its components.
- Have severe liver disease.
Imitrex is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Women should use contraception while using Imitrex. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Imitrex is secreted in human milk, which can lead to potential adverse reactions in nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Imitrex.
Imitrex may not be appropriate for elderly patients because they are more likely to have decreased liver function, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and may be more sensitive to Imitrex’s side effects.
Imitrex is not recommended for use in patients under 18 years, as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should or not take Imitrex. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What should I tell the doctor before taking Imitrex?
It is important to let your doctor know, during a physical or online consultation, if you have risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking, strong family history of heart disease, or you are post-menopausal or a male over 40 years of age. Your doctor will evaluate you for your risk of heart disease then determine if Imitrex is right for you.
Inform your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking especially dihydroergotamine, methysergide and SSRI antidepressants.
Also inform your doctor if you have or have had other medical conditions including liver problems, kidney problems or seizure disorders/epilepsy. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
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:: What is a migraine?
A migraine is a complex of symptoms experienced due to expansion (dilation) of blood vessels on the surface of the brain causing the area around them to become inflamed and irritate nerve endings.
Migraines are due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Up to 14 million Americans suffer from migraines most of whom are undiagnosed. Migraines are most likely to occur in your 30’s.
Possible migraine symptoms in addition to pain can include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, stuffy or runny nose and watery eyes, dizziness, mood changes and tunnel vision or seeing spots.
Migraine pain can range from mild to very severe and can be in many different locations such as one or both sides of the head, in the back of the neck, on the face, around the eyes, or in the sinuses.
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:: What triggers a migraine?
Many people find that specific triggers bring on their migraines. Although not everyone has specific triggers, watching out for potential triggers can help you identify and minimize your triggers.
Some common migraine triggers include:
- Food and food additives- alcohol (especially red wine), caffeinated beverages,
nuts, nitrite/nitrate-preserved foods (hot dogs) and smoked or pickled foods.
- Light- bright or glaring light, flickering lights from televisions or computer screens
and strobe or laser lights.
- Smells/odors- intense, specific food odors, cigarette, cigar or other smoke,
perfumes and cleaning products.
- Stress- any kind of stressful situation including work or family related demands.
- Weather Changes- high humidity, atmospheric pressure changes, rapid
temperature fluctuations, and exposure to extreme heat or cold may bring on
migraine attacks.
- Allergies- plant/pollen allergies, smoke allergies or allergies to pets.
- Menstruation- before, during, or right after menstruation.
Also see What else can I do to help relieve my migraines? .
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:: How does Imitrex work?
Dilated blood vessels are thought to be a factor in causing migraines. This dilation is mediated by 5-HT1 (5-hydroxytryptamine1) receptors on blood vessels and nerves.
Imitrex is the first medication of its kind to activate this receptor leading to constriction of blood vessels and actions on nerves that lead to relief of migraines.
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:: How well does Imitrex work?
Three studies of almost 1500 patients comparing migraine relief at two and four hours of patients receiving Imitrex 25mg, 50mg, 100mg and sugar pill showed:
Sugar pill
17-27% had mild or no pain at 2 hours, and 19-38% had mild or no pain at 4 hours.
Imitrex 25mg
52% had mild or no pain at 2 hours, and 64-70% had mild or no pain at 4 hours.
Imitrex 50mg
50-61% had mild or no pain at 2 hours, and 68-78% had mild or no pain at 4 hours.
Imitrex 100mg
56-62% had mild or no pain at 2 hours, and 71-79% had mild or no pain at 4 hours.
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:: How safe is Imitrex?
Imitrex has been used to treat migraines since 1995. Its safety and efficacy profile have been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Imitrex has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely relieve migraines. However, Imitrex may not be for everyone. See Who should not take Imitrex? .
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:: What does Imitrex look like?
Imitrex tablets are manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, and are available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg doses.
Imitrex 25mg tablets are white, round-shaped, and film-coated, with the imprint I on one side and 25 on the other, and come in blister packs of 9 tablets.
Imitrex 50mg tablets are white, triangular-shaped, and film-coated, with the imprint IMITREX 50 on one side and a chevron shape ^ on the other, and come in blister packs of 9 tablets.
Imitrex 100mg tablets are pink, triangular-shaped, and film-coated, with the imprint IMITREX 100 on one side and a chevron shape ^ on the other, and come in blister packs of 9 tablets.
Imitrex is also available as an injectable and nasal spray.
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:: How do I take Imitrex?
Imitrex tablets are available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg doses. Swallow the Imitrex tablet whole with water. Do not split tablets. Imitrex works anytime during a migraine but it is best to take Imitrex at the first sign of migraine pain. Do not take more than 200mg in 24 hours.
If your migraine returns or you only have partial relief, you may take a second dose 2 hours after your first dose. If you have no relief at all, talk to your doctor.
You should take Imitrex as directed by your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed.
Usual Adult Dose
Oral dosage form (Tablets) – One tablet at the first sign of migraine pain, may repeat dose in 2 hours if migraine returns or only partial relief experienced.
Patients with kidney or liver problems may require lower doses.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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:: How should I store Imitrex?
Keep Imitrex and all medications out of children's reach.
Imitrex tablets should remain in their original package and not be removed until ready for use. Do not store the tablets in any other container. Store away from heat and light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What else can I do to help relieve my migraines?
Some simple changes to your daily activities and environment can help you manage your migraines.
Daily Activities:
1. Keep your Imitrex close at hand so you are ready when attacks occur, and
always take it properly as prescribed.
2. Get at least 8 hours of sleep nightly.
3. Try to avoid triggers such as certain foods or smells.
4. Start a simple exercise program.*
5. Practice mental and physical relaxation therapy.
6. Get massages.
* One of the many benefits of exercising is that it helps reduce stress, a migraine trigger.
For many exercising guidelines, see What kind of activities can I do? and Sample exercise plans ,
in our extensive Weight Loss FAQ .
Changes to your environment:
1. Insure your mattress and pillow are comfortable for more restful sleep.
2. Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature to avoid temperature
extremes.
3. Use appropriate lighting such as dimmers, low watt light bulbs, light shades to
avoid bright lights.
Be sure to ask your doctor about these and other types of migraine management techniques that might be right for you.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Imitrex?
The most common side effects are tingling and warm/cold sensations these side effects are usually mild and usually don't last long. Less common side effects include: facial flushing, heaviness or pressure, drowsiness, dizziness and fatigue.
Some patients experience serious heart problems and rarely deaths have been reported. In these cases almost all patients had known heart disease.
If you experience any of the following after taking Imitrex call your doctor immediately: Pain or tightness in the chest or throat, sudden or severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips, skin rash or hives.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: What other precautions should I take when taking Imitrex
(Tramadol)?
In addition to the above possible side effects of Imitrex, please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Driving and Hazardous Work:
Imitrex may make you dizzy or sleepy. Use caution before driving a car or engaging in hazardous work until you know how the medicine affects you.
Medication Interactions:
Before taking Imitrex, tell your doctor, during a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, and do not start taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor first. See What are the possible drug interactions of Imitrex?
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding:
Imitrex is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Women should use contraception to avoid getting pregnant while using Imitrex. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Imitrex is secreted in human milk, which can lead to potential adverse reactions in nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Imitrex.
Kidney and Liver Disease:
The side effects may be more likely due to potential for higher blood levels of Imitrex. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Adults over 65 years old:
Dosing should be more conservative as drug effects may be more pronounced due to medical conditions and other multiple drug therapy.
Do NOT share your Imitrex prescription with others, this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Imitrex?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, prescription and non-prescription. Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
When you are taking Imitrex, it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine),
Eldepryl (selegiline), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Matulane (procarbazine), Parnate
(tranylcypromine)- increased risk of side effects.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants such as: Celexa
(citalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil
(paroxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram).
- Other 5-HT1 agonists migraine medications including Relapax (eelatriptan), Frova
(frovatriptan), Zomig (zolmitriptan), Amerge (naratriptan), Maxalt (rizatriptan) or
Axert (almotriptan).
- Other migraine medications containing ergotamine, dihydroergotamine or
methysergide.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Imitrex.
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:: What should be done in case of a possible Imitrex overdose?
If overdose is suspected, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Imitrex available over the counter?
No. Imitrex is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get an Imitrex prescription online?
Go to our Imitrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Imitrex prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Imitrex online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Imitrex cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Imitrex prices before buying.
Imitrex comes in 9 tablet blister packs, usually, the more packs you buy, the cheaper the price per tablet is.
See our Imitrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Imitrex prices, no prior prescription needed.
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:: What is generic Imitrex and is it available?
Imitrex’s generic name is sumatriptan succinate. Only Imitrex brand is currently available in the US.
See our Imitrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Imitrex prices, no prior prescription needed.
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:: Is it safe to order Imitrex or other medications
from non-US pharmacies?
Purchasing Imitrex from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the U.S. because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Imitrex, but not contain the active ingredient sumatriptan succinate.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online US pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Imitrex approved by the FDA and manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. You can therefore choose from our list of online US pharmacies with confidence.
See our Imitrex price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Imitrex prices, no prior prescription needed.
If this is your first time ordering Imitrex online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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