Imitrex nose spray, or sumatriptan, is a medication used to treat migraine headaches, although its effectiveness in treating cluster headaches has not been established. Imitrex works by causing arteries in the brain to constrict or become narrower. This alleviates headache pain as well as noise and light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting associated with migraine headache. A single dose of Imitrex nasal spray is one spray into one nostril.
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Imitrex nasal spray may cause general sensations of tingling, pressure, numbness and a flushed, warming feeling. Some patients may also experience dizziness, vertigo and drowsiness. Rarely, some patients experienced confusion, agitation, altered coordination, and emotional disturbances. On rare occasions, more severe side effects could include seizures, stroke and bleeding in the brain.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
The National Institute of Health (NIH) warns that Imitrex should not be given to people with a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. The vasoconstriction (narrowing of the arteries) effects of Imitrex increase the risk of complications associated with these diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. For the same reason, Imitrex nasal spray should not be given to patients with a history of high blood pressure.
When taking Imitrex, patients may experience chest tightness and pressure, jaw and neck pressure, blood-pressure changes to include dangerously elevated blood pressure, fainting and irregular heart rhythms.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Rarely, Imitrex nasal spray may cause an abnormal taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting. Abdominal pain may rarely be experienced, as well as indigestion, burping, flatulence, diarrhea or constipation.
Rare but more serious side effects include intestinal obstruction, hemorrhage in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreatitis.
Generalized Side Effects
Imitrex nasal spray may cause the following general side effects: lightheadedness, muscle pain, muscle cramps, weakness and flushing. Sensitivity reactions to Imitrex nasal spray are possible, with symptoms ranging from localized irritation to life-threatening anaphylactic reactions.
Serious Contraindications
Imitrex nasal spray has the potential to cause serious or even life-threatening side effects for patients taking other sumatriptan medications, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (a type of antidepressant), and medications that affect serotonin levels in the body, as well as for patients with heart disease and cerebral vascular disease. Lethal abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) and stroke are possible. Sumatriptan should be avoided in these patients.
References
- National Institute of Health Daily Med Sheets
- Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010.
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