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Description
Imitrex is prescribed for the treatment of a migraine attack with or without the presence of an aura (visual disturbances, usually sensations of halos or flickering lights, which precede an attack). T
he injectable form is also used to relieve cluster headache attacks. (Cluster headaches come on in waves, then disappear for long periods of time. They are limited to one side of the head, and occur m
ainly in men.)
Imitrex cuts headaches short. It will not reduce the number of attacks you experience
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Before Using This Medicine
Allergies¡XTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to .Imitrex. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, prese
vatives, or dyes.
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Overdosage
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Imitrex ( Sumatriptan ) overdose might include tremor, redness, or a warm feeling in your arms and legs, irregular breathing, large pupils; an uncoordin
ated feeling; and chest pain.
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What special precautions should I follow?
tell your doctor if you smoke, if you have a strong family history of heart disease, if you are postmenopausal, or if you are a man over 40. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blo
od pressure; angina (recurring chest pain); a heart attack; diabetes; high cholesterol; obesity; stroke; transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke); ischemic bowel disease; coronary artery disease; seizu
res; or blood vessel, kidney, or liver disease.
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How to Use
Take Imitrex ( Sumatriptan ) tablets exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a
full glass of water. Take one tablet as soon as you notice symptoms of a migraine, or at any time during an attack. If your symptoms go away, but then return, you can take additional doses as needed e
very 2 hours, up to a maximum of 300 mg in 24 hours, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Never take more than this amount. If your symptoms do not improve at all, call your doctor before taking
any more doses of Imitrex ( Sumatriptan ). More medication will not further treat symptoms.
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Possible Side Effect
Although the danger is minimal, Imitrex has triggered serious heart problems in people with heart disease. For that reason, the doctor may want you to take your first dose of Imitrex in the office, wh
ere you can be closely watched for ill effects.
Be sure to tell the doctor if you have any conditions that increase your risk of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
or diabetes. Also let him know if you smoke, have heart disease in the family, or have gone through menopause. Patients at risk of heart disease should have periodic cardiac evaluations as long as th
ey continue using Imitrex. If you develop pain or tightness in the chest, throat, or jaw after taking a dose, consult your doctor before taking any more.
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