All About Imitrex

What is Imitrex?

Your doctor may recommend Imitrex to treat migraine that occurs with or without an aura. Imitrex injections may also be used to treat cluster headaches.

There are some limitations of use for Imitrex. This drug isn’t used to prevent migraine episodes or cluster headaches from occurring. It treats symptoms when they happen. For more information about this, see “What is Imitrex used for?” below.

Imitrex basics

Imitrex comes in three forms:

• a solution that you inject under your skin
• a tablet that you swallow
• a nasal spray

The active drug in Imitrex is sumatriptan. This drug is available in generic form. Imitrex belongs to a group of drugs called triptans, which are also called serotonin receptor agonists.

Read on to learn about Imitrex’s side effects, dosage, and more.

What are Imitrex’s side effects?

Like most drugs, Imitrex may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the drug’s more common side effects. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

• your age
• other health conditions you have
• other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Imitrex. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Below is a list of the mild side effects that Imitrex can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read the prescribing information for Imitrex injection, tablets, and nasal spray.

Mild side effects of Imitrex injections that have been reported include:

• tingling
• dizziness
• feeling warm or hot
• tightness, heaviness, or pressure in your chest or other areas of your body
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
• numbness
• injection site side effects*
• feeling sleepy*

Mild side effects of Imitrex tablets that have been reported include:

• burning or prickling sensation in your skin
• feeling warm or cold
• pain, tightness, heaviness, or pressure in your chest or other areas of your body
• pain in your jaw, neck, or chest
• vertigo (dizziness or a spinning sensation)
• fatigue (low energy)
• feeling sleepy*

Mild side effects of Imitrex nasal spray that have been reported include:

• burning sensation
• discomfort in your nose, sinuses, or throat
• nausea or vomiting
• a bad or unusual taste in your mouth
• vertigo
• feeling sleepy*

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Imitrex can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Imitrex, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Imitrex that have been reported include:

• heart problems, including heart attack
• irregular heart rhythm
• brain bleeding or stroke (lack of blood flow to the brain)
• seizures
• ischemic bowel disease (decreased blood flow in your body, such as to your stomach or intestines), which may cause belly pain
• serotonin syndrome (high levels of a chemical called serotonin in your body)
• high blood pressure
• rebound headaches (headaches that can occur with overuse of Imitrex)*
• allergic reaction*

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Side effect focus

Learn more about some of the side effects Imitrex may cause.

Feeling sleepy

Imitrex may cause you to feel sleepy or drowsy. This side effect is common with all forms of Imitrex.

What might help

If Imitrex makes you feel sleepy and this is bothersome to you, talk with your doctor. They may recommend ways to reduce sleepiness. Sometimes, they may recommend a different treatment for your condition.

When you first start taking Imitrex, try to be aware of how the drug affects your body. If it makes you very tired, you should not drive a car or use heavy machinery after taking a dose. Be sure to talk with your doctor about what activities are safe for you when you’re starting Imitrex.

Injection site side effects

You may have side effects at your Imitrex injection site. These were common in studies of Imitrex injections.

Injection site side effects include symptoms that occur where you inject your dose of Imitrex, such as:

• burning or stinging
• swelling
• redness or deepening of skin color
• bruising
• bleeding
• pain

What might help

If you’re having injection site side effects after an Imitrex dose, talk with your doctor. They may recommend ways to prevent these side effects or reduce them.

For example, using a cold or warm compress can help with swelling or pain. Your doctor may also recommend taking over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), to decrease pain. If you continue to have injection site side effects, your doctor may recommend that you try the tablet or nasal spray form of Imitrex.

Rebound headaches

It’s possible to have rebound headaches from taking a migraine medication, including Imitrex. These may also be called medication overuse headaches.

A rebound headache may feel like a migraine episode and may occur often or even every day. These headaches can be severe.

You have a higher risk of rebound headaches if you take migraine medications such as Imitrex for 10 or more days per month. It’s not known if Imitrex is safe to treat more than four migraine episodes or cluster headaches every 30 days.

What might help

If you’re having headaches or migraine symptoms more often than usual, talk with your doctor. Also talk with them if you’re having more than four episodes of migraine or cluster headache symptoms per month.

You can help determine if you’re having rebound headaches and what the best treatment plan is for you. It’s important that you do not stop taking Imitrex unless your doctor recommends this.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Imitrex. Also, the STATdose pen form of Imitrex contains rubber latex. If you have a latex allergy, your doctor will likely not prescribe this form of the medication.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Imitrex. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

What is Imitrex’s dosage?

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Imitrex that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Forms and strengths

The table below shows Imitrex’s available forms and strengths.

Recommended dosage

You only need to take Imitrex when you’re having a migraine episode or a cluster headache. (Only the injectable form of Imitrex is approved to treat cluster headaches.) You should not take this medication to prevent migraine episodes or cluster headaches from occurring.

The table below summarizes when it’s typically recommended to take each form of Imitrex:

Talk with your doctor about the best oral, nasal spray, or injection dosage of Imitrex for you. They’ll determine your dosage for migraine or cluster headaches, including how often you should take Imitrex.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your maximum dosage per month. If you take Imitrex too often, you may develop rebound headaches.* It’s recommended that you take Imitrex less than 10 days per month, to avoid this side effect.

* See “What are Imitrex’s side effects?” above for details about rebound headaches.

Questions about Imitrex’s dosage

• Will I need to use Imitrex long term? If Imitrex works to treat your migraine episodes or cluster headaches, your doctor will likely recommend that you take it long term. However, you only need to take a dose of Imitrex when you’re having symptoms.
• How long does Imitrex take to work? Imitrex starts working as soon as you take your dose. In most cases, you should notice relief of your symptoms within 2 hours. In some cases, the medication may work more quickly. For example, the injectable form of Imitrex may work to reduce symptoms within 5 to 20 minutes.

What are some frequently asked questions about Imitrex?

Find answers below to some commonly asked questions about Imitrex.

How does Imitrex work? What’s its half-life and how long does it stay in your system?

Imitrex works by narrowing blood vessels in your brain. This can decrease your migraine or cluster headache symptoms.

Imitrex’s half-life is about 2 hours. A half-life is how long it takes for your body to get rid of half of a dose of the drug. In most cases, a drug stays in your system for 4 to 5 half-lives. So Imitrex stays in your system for about 8 to 10 hours.

Is Imitrex a blood thinner, NSAID, or narcotic?

No. Imitrex is not a blood thinner, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or a narcotic (a type of pain relief drug). It’s a type of drug called a triptan, also known as a serotonin receptor agonist.

Imitrex affects your blood vessels, but it does not thin your blood.

Your doctor may recommend taking other medications for migraine or cluster headaches, along with Imitrex. Some of these medications may be NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend a narcotic pain reliever, such as tramadol (Ultram).

Make sure to talk with your doctor before taking any new medications with Imitrex, including over-the-counter types.

Is Imitrex addictive? Is it classified as a controlled substance?

No, Imitrex is not an addictive medication or a controlled substance.*

Imitrex isn’t addictive, but taking it too often can cause rebound headaches.† These are headaches that occur frequently or daily if you take Imitrex too often. To prevent this, your doctor will likely recommend that you take Imitrex less than 10 days per month.

* Controlled substances are drugs that may have a high risk of misuse or dependence. They’re regulated by the government to prevent misuse.
† See “What are Imitrex’s side effects?” above for details about rebound headaches.

How many days in a row can I take Imitrex?

There aren’t recommendations about how many days in a row you can take Imitrex. It’s not known if this medication is safe to treat more than four migraine episodes or cluster headaches every 30 days.

It’s important to note that it’s not recommended to take migraine drugs, including Imitrex, for 10 or more days per month. This is due to the risk of rebound headaches.*

Before starting Imitrex, talk with your doctor about how often you can safely take this medication.

* See “What are Imitrex’s side effects?” above for details about rebound headaches.

Does Imitrex cause weight loss?

No, Imitrex should not cause you to lose weight. Weight loss is not a reported side effect.

If you’re having weight loss while you’re taking Imitrex, talk with your doctor about what may be causing it. It’s possible for weight loss to be a symptom of ischemic bowel disease (decreased blood flow to your stomach or intestines). This can occur as a side effect of Imitrex.

Your doctor will be able to help you determine what may be causing your weight loss and the best way to manage or prevent it.

Is Imitrex used for tension headaches or sinus headaches?

No, Imitrex is not approved to treat tension headaches or sinus headaches. It’s not known if the drug may be safe or effective for treating these conditions.

At this time, Imitrex tablets, nasal spray, and injections are only approved to treat migraine. Imitrex injections can also be used to treat cluster headaches.

If you have tension headaches or sinus headaches, talk with your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

What should be considered before taking Imitrex?

Before you start taking Imitrex, talk with your doctor about other medications you take and other medical conditions you have. Based on this information, your doctor can help you determine if Imitrex may be a safe and effective treatment for your migraine or cluster headaches.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Imitrex, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Imitrex.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Imitrex can interact with several types of drugs. These include:

• migraine drugs containing ergot or ergotamines, such as dihydroergotamine (Migranal)
• the following types of antidepressant medications:
  • monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as tranylcypromine (Parnate)
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as escitalopram (Lexapro) or sertraline (Zoloft)
  • serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as nortriptyline (Pamelor)
• other triptan* drugs, such as rizatriptan (Maxalt)

This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Imitrex. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with use of Imitrex.

* Imitrex is a triptan drug, also called a serotonin receptor agonist.

Warnings

Imitrex may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Imitrex. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

• Heart problems. Imitrex can cause heart problems, including a heart attack, to occur. If you already have heart problems, Imitrex may make your condition worse. Talk with your doctor to see if Imitrex is a safe treatment for you. If you have coronary artery disease or coronary artery vasospasm, your doctor will likely recommend a treatment other than Imitrex for your migraine or cluster headaches.
• Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Imitrex or any of its ingredients, including latex (which is contained in the STATdose pen used to inject Imitrex), your doctor will likely not prescribe this drug. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for your condition.
• A heart electrical problem, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. If you have an irregular heart rate, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, your doctor will likely recommend a treatment other than Imitrex.
• History of stroke. If you’ve had a stroke (lack of blood flow to your brain) or a transient ischemic attack (a “ministroke”), your doctor will likely recommend a treatment other than Imitrex for your condition. This medication can increase your risk of a stroke, and if you have a history of stroke, you may be at even higher risk. Talk with your doctor about other treatment options for your condition.
• Unmanaged high blood pressure. Imitrex can increase your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure that’s unmanaged, Imitrex may increase it even more. This can be life threatening. Before you start Imitrex, your doctor will likely recommend taking blood pressure medications or adjusting any drugs you’re currently taking for your blood pressure.
• Hemiplegic or basilar migraine. If you have hemiplegic migraine or basilar migraine, Imitrex may increase your risk of stroke. Your doctor will likely recommend a different migraine treatment.
• Liver problems. Imitrex is broken down by your liver. If you have liver problems, your body may not be able to break down the medication properly. Your doctor will determine if Imitrex is a safe treatment option for you.
• Ischemic bowel disease (decreased blood flow to your stomach or intestines). Imitrex is thought to work by narrowing blood vessels. If you already have ischemic bowel disease, Imitrex can make this condition worse. Your doctor may recommend a treatment other than Imitrex.
• Blood circulation (blood flow) problems. Since Imitrex is thought to work by narrowing blood vessels, this medication may make circulation problems worse. Talk with your doctor to see if Imitrex may be safe for you.
• Epilepsy or seizure disorders. Imitrex can cause seizures. If you have a history of epilepsy or seizure disorders, Imitrex may increase your risk of seizures. Talk with your doctor to see if this medication is a safe treatment option for your condition.

Imitrex and alcohol

Imitrex is not known to interact with alcohol. However, alcohol may make migraine episodes or cluster headaches worse. It’s also possible for alcohol to trigger migraines or cluster headaches.

Talk with your doctor about how much alcohol, if any, may be safe for you to drink while you’re taking Imitrex.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It’s not known if Imitrex is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Information collected from a pregnancy registry* does not show an increased risk of harmful effects on a fetus (commonly called birth defects). But more data is still needed before the safety of Imitrex use during pregnancy can be determined.

Imitrex passes into breast milk if taken while breastfeeding, so a child who’s breastfeeding would be exposed to the drug. It’s not known what effects Imitrex may have on a breastfed child. Because of the possible risks, it’s recommended to avoid breastfeeding for 12 hours after a dose of Imitrex.

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering either, talk with your doctor to see if Imitrex is a safe option for you.

* A pregnancy registry is a collection of data from people who took certain medications during pregnancy. The purpose is to determine if a drug may have effects on a fetus or other aspects of a pregnancy. The registry discussed above gathered data over a period of 16 years, and is closed (no longer gathering data).

How is Imitrex taken?

Your doctor will explain how you should take Imitrex. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow their instructions.

Taking Imitrex

You only need to take Imitrex if you’re having a migraine episode or a cluster headache. You should not take Imitrex to prevent migraine episodes or cluster headaches from occurring.

If you’re taking Imitrex tablets, you should swallow your dose with water when your symptoms start.

If you’re using Imitrex nasal spray, blow your nose before using the spray. Close one nostril and spray once into your other nostril. Your doctor or pharmacist will show you how to take your dose. Each package contains one spray of Imitrex.

If you’re taking the injectable form of Imitrex, your doctor or pharmacist will show you how to inject it. You should inject it under the skin of your belly, upper arms, or thighs. Never inject Imitrex into a muscle or vein.

For specific instructions on how to inject Imitrex and its injection sites, see the section called “Instructions for Use” in the drug’s prescribing information.

Accessible medication containers and labels

If it’s hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that:

• have large print
• use braille
• contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text into audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Also, if you’re having trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to put Imitrex in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

Taking Imitrex with other drugs

Your doctor may recommend that you take Imitrex along with other medications to treat your migraine symptoms. For example, they may recommend pain medications, such as:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine (Excedrin)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil)

In some cases, your doctor may recommend prescription medications to take with Imitrex. Examples include the pain reliever tramadol (Ultram) or a medication for migraine prevention, such as topiramate (Topamax).

Before you start taking Imitrex, talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. They can recommend whether you should take Imitrex along with other medications. It’s important to talk with your doctor before taking any new drugs while you’re using Imitrex, including over-the-counter drugs.

Questions about taking Imitrex

• How often can you take Imitrex? You can take Imitrex for four migraine episodes or cluster headaches per month, at most. It’s important to note that taking Imitrex too often (specifically, 10 days or more per month) can lead to rebound headaches. See “What are Imitrex’s side effects?” above for details about this side effect.
• Can Imitrex tablets be chewed, crushed, or split? No, you should not chew, crush, or split Imitrex tablets. Swallow the tablet whole with liquid, such as water or juice. If you have trouble swallowing Imitrex tablets, the medication also comes as a nasal spray or an injection. Your doctor can recommend whether these are options for you.
• Should I take Imitrex with food? You can take your dose of Imitrex with or without food.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Imitrex and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

• Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
  • How will Imitrex affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
• Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
• If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

What is Imitrex used for?

Imitrex is prescribed to treat migraine with or without an aura. Migraine is a condition that can cause episodes of symptoms such as a severe headache, nausea, and changes in your vision.

Migraine can also cause an aura, which may happen right before a migraine episode starts. This is a change in your senses, such as seeing flashes of light or colors.

Imitrex injections may also be used to treat cluster headaches. Cluster headaches usually occur on one side of your head or eye. They may occur often over a time period of weeks or even months.

Imitrex is thought to work by narrowing blood vessels in your brain to reduce symptoms of a migraine episode or cluster headache.

There are some limitations of use for Imitrex:

• It’s only used to treat a migraine episode or cluster headache that’s already happening. It’s not prescribed to prevent symptoms from occurring.
• Your doctor will only prescribe Imitrex if you have a history of migraine or cluster headaches. If you haven’t been diagnosed with migraine or cluster headaches, your doctor will likely do tests to confirm that you’re experiencing one of these conditions before you start Imitrex.
• The tablet and nasal spray forms of Imitrex should not be used to treat cluster headaches. The only form of Imitrex approved to treat cluster headaches is the injectable form.

What should I know about Imitrex vs. Maxalt?

To see how Imitrex compares with Maxalt, read this article. Talk with your doctor about which treatment alternative is right for you.

What should I know about Imitrex vs. Relpax?

If you’d like to know about Imitrex versus Relpax, talk with your doctor. Also, check out this article for a detailed comparison.

What should be done in case of overdose?

Do not take more Imitrex than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you take too much Imitrex

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Imitrex. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

What does Imitrex cost?

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.

Imitrex is available as the generic drug sumatriptan. A generic medication is a copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Talk with your doctor if you’d like to know more about generic sumatriptan.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can visit the Imitrex manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options. You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

What to ask your doctor

Before you start taking Imitrex, talk to your doctor about this medication. Be sure to tell them about any other medications you take and any other medical conditions you have. Here are some questions you may wish to discuss with your doctor before taking Imitrex:

• Which form of Imitrex is best for me?
• What should I do if I become pregnant while taking this medication?
• How can I avoid taking Imitrex too often?

Read this article to learn more about treatments for chronic (long-term) migraine. If you’d like to connect with other people who experience migraines, join the Healthline community. To sign up for our newsletter to learn more about migraines, see this webpage.