Imitrex, a brand name for sumatriptan, is a medication that has been used to treat migraine headaches in the United States since 1993, according to the National Headache Foundation. Imitrex is available in three forms: tablets, nasal spray and injectable. The injectable form works quickly, often within 15 minutes, but may cause temporary side effects such as lightheadedness and tightness in the scalp, neck or chest. Side effects of the oral and nasal forms are less common but they work more slowly. Imitrex must be administered correctly to avoid rebound headaches, a condition caused by overuse of medication.
General Instructions
Step 1
Monitor your headaches closely using pen and paper to keep track of symptoms and possible triggers--events or conditions that tend to precede a migraine. As you become familiar with these factors, you will be able to identify the beginning stage of a migraine so you can take Imitrex as early as possible.
Step 2
Take a dose of Imitrex at the first sign of a migraine headache as it is most effective when taken early in the course of the episode, according to the National Headache Foundation. If you cannot take Imitrex immediately, take it as soon as possible. Avoid taking the medication before the headache pain starts.
Step 3
Note the date, time and dose that you took to avoid taking Imitrex too often, as well as to monitor your response to the medication. Follow your health care provider's instructions exactly.
Step 4
Lie down in a cool, dark area if possible to help the action of the medication. Avoid driving or working with heavy machinery after taking Imitrex as it may make you feel drowsy.
Tablets
Step 1
Check the dose of your tablets and review the instructions written on the container. Imitrex tablets come in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg, according to the National Institutes of Health, so be certain that you are taking the correct dose. )
Step 2
Take one whole tablet with a full glass of water. Do not split the tablets.
Step 3
Take a second tablet at least two hours after the first dose if you still have migraine symptoms.
Step 4
Avoid taking more than 200 mg of oral Imitrex within 24 hours or taking the medication more than twice a week. Contact your health care provider before taking more Imitrex, according to the NIH.
Nasal Spray
Step 1
Check the strength of your nasal spray and review the label instructions. Imitrex nasal spray comes in single-dose bottles of 5 mg or 20 mg, so be certain that you are using the correct dose, according to the NIH. Do not use another individual's nasal spray.
Step 2
Blow your nose to clear your nasal passages.
Step 3
Empty the single-dose bottle by spraying the contents once into one of your nostrils. Avoid sneezing or blowing your nose immediately afterward.
Step 4
Repeat the dose if your headache has not gone away after two hours, according to the NIH.
Step 5
Avoid taking more than 40 mg of Imitrex nasal spray in a 24-hour period or using the medication more than twice a week, according to the National Headache Foundation. Contact your health care provider before taking more Imitrex.
Injectable
Step 1
Open the Imitrex carrying case and ensure that you have the correct dose of the medication. The 4 mg cartridge pack is yellow and the 6 mg pack is blue, according to Drugs.com.
Step 2
Remove a tamper-evident seal from a syringe cartridge and discard it. If you have not used either of the two doses, remove the seal from the cartridge labeled "A" first. Your second dose will be cartridge "B."
Step 3
Open the syringe cartridge lid.
Step 4
Hold the pen by the ridges at the top and remove it from the carrying case. Avoid touching the blue on the top of the pen until you are ready for the injection. If the white priming rod sticks out from the bottom of the pen, return the pen to the carrying case and press down hard, then remove the pen again.
Step 5
Insert the pen into the cartridge case and turn it clockwise about half a turn until it will not turn any more. This action loads one dose of Imitrex into the pen.
Step 6
Remove the pen from the cartridge case, holding it by the ridges at the top and avoiding touching the blue button. The Imitrex pen is ready for use at this point and should not be returned to the carrying case.
Step 7
Select an appropriate site--either your thigh or your upper arm on the non-dominant side--and clean it with an alcohol pad.
Step 8
Holding the gray portion of the pen with the middle three fingers of your dominant hand, press the pen firmly against the skin at the selected injection site. This action allows the gray portion to slide toward the blue section, releasing the safety catch.
Step 9
Press the blue button with the thumb of your dominant hand and hold the pen in place for at least five seconds to fully inject the medication.
Step 10
Remove the pen from your thigh or arm, being careful to avoid touching the needle.
Step 11
Push the pen into the empty side of the carrying case, turning counter-clockwise about a half turn until the pen is released. Pull the pen out and close the cartridge pack.
Step 12
Return the pen to the carrying case, pressing it firmly until it clicks. Close the lid of the carrying case.
Step 13
Repeat the dose after at least one hour if your headache comes back, using the second cartridge in the same manner as the first. Do not take a second injection for the same attack without contacting your health care provider first, according to Drugs.com. Do not take more than two doses of 6 mg each within a 24-hour period.
Step 14
Discard the empty cartridge case after both cartridges have been used, but save the injector pen. Replace the cartridge case with a new one.
Tips and Warnings
- Store all forms of Imitrex tightly closed in the containers they came in. Discard if they expire before use, according to the NIH. If you have any questions about taking Imitrex, contact your pharmacist or health care provider.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to the medication, including pain or tightness in the chest or throat; fast heartbeat; difficulty breathing; sudden or severe pain in the stomach; wheezing; skin rash or hives; or redness, swelling or itching of the face, lips or eyelids, according to the NIH. Contact your health care provider if you experience severe side effects, including flushing, tingling, feelings of warmth or heaviness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or muscle cramps, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Things You'll Need
- Alcohol pad
