Imitrex is a headache medicine. It is believed to work by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain. It also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.
rnImitrex tablets and nasal spray are used to treat migraine headaches.
rnImitrex will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

The health and medical information provided here is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other health care professional. It should not be understood to indicate that the use of this medicine is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Always consult your health care professional before using this, or any other, drug.

You should not use Imitrex if you are allergic to sumatriptan, or if you have ischemic bowel disease, severe liver disease, severe high blood pressure, or a history of heart disease, angina, circulation problems, heart attack, or stroke.
rnImitrex can cause serious side effects on the heart, including heart attack or stroke. Although these side effects are rare, do not use Imitrex if you have a history of heart disease, angina (chest pain), blood circulation problems, ischemic bowel disease, severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, or history of a heart attack or stroke.
rnBefore using Imitrex, tell your doctor if you have a seizure disorder, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, coronary artery disease, or risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as diabetes, menopause, smoking, being overweight, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol, having a family history of coronary artery disease, being older than 40 and a man, or being a woman who has had a hysterectomy).
rnDo not use Imitrex within 24 hours before or after using almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), rizatriptan (Maxalt), naratriptan (Amerge), zolmitriptan (Zomig), or ergot medicine such as methysergide (Sansert), ergotamine (Ergomar, Ergostat, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal Nasal Spray), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine). Do not use Imitrex if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the past 14 days. Before using Imitrex, tell your doctor if you are also taking an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or venlafaxine (Effexor).
rnImitrex will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.
rnAfter taking a Imitrex tablet, you must wait two (2) hours before taking a second tablet. Do not take more than 200 mg of sumatriptan tablets in 24 hours.
rnAfter using Imitrex nasal spray, you must wait two (2) hours before using a second spray. Do not use more than 40 mg of sumatriptan nasal spray in 24 hours.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Imitrex: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Imitrex and call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as:
rnchest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
rnsudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
rnsudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
rnfast heart rate, agitation, muscle stiffness, hallucinations, lack of coordination, with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
rnsudden and severe stomach pain and bloody diarrhea;
rnseizure (convulsions); or
rnnumbness or tingling and a pale or blue-colored appearance in your fingers or toes.
rnLess serious Imitrex side effects may include:
rnnausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
rnmuscle pain;
rnwarmth or redness under your skin;
rnpressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body;
rnsneezing, runny nose, congestion, cough;
rnburning, numbness, pain or other irritation in your nose or throat after using the nasal spray;
rnunusual taste in your mouth after using the nasal spray;
rndizziness, sleepiness; or
rndrooling or sweating.

Use Imitrex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Overuse of migraine headache medicine can actually make your headaches worse. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
rnUse Imitrex as soon as you notice headache symptoms, or after an attack has already begun.
rnYour doctor may want to give your first dose of this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting to see if you have any serious side effects.
rnTake one Imitrex tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not split the tablet.
rnAfter taking a tablet: If your headache does not completely go away, or goes away and comes back, take a second tablet two (2) hours after the first. Do not take more than 200 mg of sumatriptan oral tablets in 24 hours. If your symptoms have not improved, contact your doctor before taking any more tablets.
rnImitrex nasal spray comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Blow your nose to clear your nasal passages before using the nasal spray. Try not to sneeze or blow your nose just after using the spray.
rnAfter using the nasal spray: If your headache does not completely go away after using the spray, call your doctor before using a second spray of Imitrex. If your headache goes away and then comes back, you may use a second spray if it has been at least two hours since you used the first spray. Do not use more than 40 mg of sumatriptan nasal spray in 24 hours. If your symptoms do not improve, contact your doctor before using any more sprays.
rnContact your doctor if you have more than four headaches in one month (30 days).
rnStore Imitrex at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.