Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of painful symptoms associated with migraine and cluster headaches. This medication works by constricting the flow of blood within the brain and can be taken orally (tablet), nasally (spray) or by an injection beneath the skin (subcutaneous). If you develop any side effects while taking Imitrex, speak with your doctor for additional guidance and care.
Drowsiness
While taking Imitrex, you may experience drowsiness or tiredness. Such side effects can be accompanied by sensations of dizziness, lightheadedness or heaviness. Certain patients may also experience a general feeling of sickness (malaise) due to this medication.
Stomach Upset
After taking a dose of Imitrex, you can develop stomach-related side effects. Certain people experience nausea or vomiting. Consider taking this medication with a small meal or snack to limit the occurrence of such side effects.
Muscle Weakness
You might experience abnormal muscle weakness as a side effect of this medication. This may also be accompanied by muscle aches, neck stiffness or warm sensations throughout your body.
Skin Tingling
While undergoing treatment with Imitrex, you may develop abnormal skin sensations across your body. Skin sensations can be characterized as burning, numbing or tingling, and typically subside with recurrent use of this medication.
Injection Site Reaction
In clinical trials for the injectable form of Imitrex, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that 59 percent of 547 patients who received Imitrex injection developed injection site reactions. In contrast, only 24 percent of 270 patients who received placebo injections developed similar reactions. Injection site reactions can cause redness, irritation, inflammation, itching or swelling to appear at the site.
Sore Throat
Imitrex spray (nasal) can cause irritation within the nose or throat. Abnormal sensations of tingling, burning, numbness or soreness can develop within the throat, nose or sinuses following Imitrex spray treatment. This medication can also cause an abnormal or unpleasant taste to develop within the mouth.
Irregular Heartbeat
Certain patients---especially those with coronary artery disease (CAD)---should discuss the risk of experiencing a serious cardiac event due to Imitrex with a doctor before taking this medication. The FDA reports that fatal cardiac events have occurred after administration of either oral Imitrex (tablet) or injectable Imitrex. Additional heart-related side effects of Imitrex include coronary artery vasospasm, myocardial infarction, increased heart rate (tachycardia), transient myocardial ischemia or ventricular fibrillation.
Member Comments