Imitrex is the trade name for the medication sumatriptan succinate. Imitrex is prescribed for the treatment of migraine headaches and was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1995. Imitrex is available in oral, nasal and injectable solutions. It has been studied extensively in clinical trials and post marketing research. Imitrex has proven substantially effective for its desired effect, but can also result in several mild and serious side effects.
Migraine Relief
The desired effect of Imitrex is to provide migraine relief. According to Drugs.com, 100 mg of oral Imitrex provides migraine relief within two hours in up to 62 percent of patients. This is in comparison to as low as 17 percent of patients taking placebo. Imitrex works by increasing specific subtypes of the neurotransmitter serotonin, called 5HT-1D and 5HT-1B. One of the functions of these serotonin receptor subtypes is to reduce the vascular inflammation associated with migraine headaches. According to Drugs.com, Imitrex reaches its maximum effectiveness at around 50 mg in most patients. The difference in effectiveness lies not in dosage, but more in the route of administration. According to the prescribing label for injectable Imitrex, up to 75 percent of patients report relief from cluster headaches within 15 minutes after a 6 mg injection of Imitrex.
Common Side Effects
Imitrex also has several common yet mild side effects. According to eMedTV, the most common side effect is a reaction at the injection site. This has occurred in up to 59 percent of patients and includes redness, pain and swelling. Forty-two percent of patients may experience abnormal sensations including tingles, warmth, burning, pressure, tightness and numbness. Around 25 percent of patients who use the nasal spray solution, experience a bad or unusual taste in the mouth. Other common yet mild side effects include dizziness, spinning sensations, red face and skin, chest tightness, weakness and neck pain. The common yet mild side effects of Imitrex should be weighed against the clinical benefits of debilitating migraines.
Serious Negative Effects
Imitrex can also cause several serious negative effects. These are rare and some are limited to special populations. According to the prescribing labels for oral and injectable Imitrex, the primary warning is an increased risk for negative heart effects. Patients with pre-existing heart problems should consult their physicians or consider an alternative medication. Patients are at an increased risk for reduced blood flow to the heart and heart tissue damage due to a reduced oxygen supply. Heart related problems often occur within the first hour after administration. Patients may also develop a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is an acute toxic overdose of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Symptoms include irregular heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, agitation, hallucinations, coma, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and dysfunctions in muscle contraction. Symptoms usually subside after the causal medication is discontinued.
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