What is Imitrex
Imitrex, or Imigran as it is known internationally, is an oral tablet containing sumatriptan, an antimigraine drug. Tablets contain 25, 50, or 100 mg of sumatriptan. We carry both the brand, Imitrex, and the generic alternative, sold as sumatriptan, at My Drug Center.
What is Imitrex used for?
Imitrex is a popular medication used for the treatment of intense and debilitating headaches; a very common neurological condition which causes multiple symptoms. This condition is known as migraines.
What does Imitrex do?
Using Imitrex will not help reduce the frequency or quantity of migraines but it will help ease the pain and discomfort of the associated symptoms. Using Imitrex will help headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sounds, and may also help with more intense symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, or dizziness and fatigue.
How does Imitrex work?
Migraines are thought to be caused by overactive nerve cells in the brain that send out signals to activate the nerve that allows you to feel sensations (like pain) in the head and face. This activation causes certain chemicals to release, like serotonin. These chemicals then cause blood vessels in the lining of the brain to swell, which causes the inflammation and symptoms. Imitrex works by narrowing blood vessels in the head and preventing the signals sent to the brain that cause the migraine symptoms.
How to take Imitrex?
Use this medication exactly the way your doctor has prescribed it to you, otherwise, to use Imitrex; swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or break open the tablet. To help flush it down, take the tablet with a full glass of water. The first dose is commonly taken within a health care facility such as a hospital; this allows medical attention to be readily available in the case of allergic reactions or adverse interactions. All future doses should be taken at the first sign of a migraine; this is commonly known as the “dull headache stage.”
How does Imitrex make you feel?
All of our bodies react to medication differently; therefore Imitrex may pose a wide variety of possible emotions and other side effects. So, what are the side effects of Imitrex? Imitrex commonly causes side effects such as feeling too hot or cold, numbness or tingling, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, or a pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body; there are many more possible side effects.
How often can you take Imitrex?
If you’ve taken your dose and don’t get satisfactory relief or the migraine returns, another dose may be taken 2 hours after the previous dose. The brand manufacturer recommends taking no more than 200mg in any 24-hour period. Imitrex is a long-term treatment medication therefore it can be used safely and effectively on a daily basis for quite a while, however, the exact amount of time you can use this medication for must be determined by your doctor.
How long does Imitrex stay in your system?
Imitrex has a very small half life of only 2.5 hours which would equal to only 12.5 hours before it is cleared out of the system following your last dose.
How long does it take for Imitrex to work?
It will likely vary between each individual but the most common length of time Imitrex takes to become effective is between 30-60 minutes.
How long does Imitrex last?
The peak effect is typically felt after 2-3 hours; the amount of time it lasts after the peak varies between each individual. Certain diseases, like liver disease, among other factors can affect the length of time Imitrex is effective for.
How much does Imitrex cost?
In the United States Imitrex can sometimes be an expensive medication. How much does Imitrex cost without insurance? Imitrex is sold in packs of 9 tablets in the United States; one pack of 9 (100mg) generic tablets (sumatriptan tablets) has an average retail price nearing the hundreds. However, internationally, you can buy more for less; 12 sumatriptan tablets (100mg) for under $80.00 ($6.42 per tablet), accessible at My Drug Center with a valid prescription.
Who makes Imitrex?
Imitrex is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, a British multinational pharmaceutical company.
What does Imitrex look like?
Imitrex, when bought in the United States, commonly comes as small tablets, either round or three-sided and may be pink or white in color. However, when purchasing Imitrex internationally, the appearance may vary. This applies to the generic sumatriptan tablets as well.