Imigran ships from the UK.

Imigran (sumatriptan succinate) is in the triptan class of drugs, widely used around the world to manage symptoms of migraine and cluster headaches. It is an abortive treatment, meaning it only stops symptoms that have already begun; it will not prevent new headaches from developing.

This medication should not be used in patients under age 18 or over age 65 without explicit doctor approval; there is a significantly higher risk of side effects.

Managing Migraines with Imigran

Imigran is predominately used to treat migraines, particularly in tablet form. It alleviates both pain and other symptoms, such as auras, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Treatment is simple and straightforward:

• Take one dose of Imigran at the earliest symptoms of a migraine.
• If pain and/or other symptoms are not sufficiently alleviated, or the headache returns, a second dose may be taken after two hours.
• Do not exceed 300 mg in a 24 hour period.
• Tablets can be crushed, chewed or dissolved, but they are very bitter. Those who have difficulty swallowing tablets may want to consider Imigran Radis, which is designed to be dissolvable (but will still taste bitter).

Patients are usually started on 50 mg doses. Some individuals who have particularly severe migraines or who are simply less sensitive to Imigran may find 100 mg more effective. As with any medication, however, there is a risk of side effects and this risk is higher with higher doses; the lowest effective dose is preferable.

This medication tends to produce the best results if taken at the earliest signs a headache is developing, but Imigran will still provide benefit if taken at later stages. Effects start to be felt about 30 minutes after taking a dose.

For unclear reasons some patients simply don't respond to Imigran. If there is no improvement at all after the first dose, a second dose should not be taken. A doctor or pharmacist can suggest alternative options.

Imigran for Cluster Headaches

Triptan medications are one of the few effective options out there for cluster headache-suffers. With cluster headaches, taking the medication at the earliest symptoms is very important; the medication may not provide significant benefit if taken at later stages.

Because the timing is so critical with cluster headaches, tablets---which take about 30 minutes to start working---are usually not the ideal choice. They do work for some individuals, however; treatment is the same as for migraines (above).

Faster-acting Imigran options are:

• Imigran Nasal Spray - starts to work about 15 minutes after administration.
• Imigran Subject Injection - starts to work 5 to 10 minutes after administration.

Many patients are understandably averse to injections, but it is the most effective route for rapid pain relief in the majority of cluster headache-sufferers. It's also not as bad as many people imagine---it is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) rather than into muscle or the bloodstream; needles for this purpose are very short and thin, virtually painless.

Warnings & Side Effects

Patients with certain health conditions are at greater risk of experiencing complications when taking Imigran. Discuss risks with a doctor before use if there is a history of:

• Poor blood circulation
• Coronary heart disease
• Angina
• Seizures
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack or stroke
• Liver or kidney impairment
• Ischemic bowel disease

As with any medication there is a risk of side effects when using Imigran. Most are mild and pass quickly, including:

• Flushing or feeling warm, particularly in the chest area
• Mild dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Drowsiness

The above side effects are not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive.

Imigran should not be used within a week of taking SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs, and vice versa; do not take those medications within a week of using Imigran.

Imigran ships from the UK.

Imigran Nasal Spray (sumatriptan succinate) is a potent triptan medication used to stop migraines and cluster headaches. It is an abortive treatment, meaning it only stops headaches in progress; it provides no benefit in preventing new headaches from forming if taken when a headache is not occurring.

Like all triptan medications, Imigran Nasal Spray works by narrowing blood vessels in the head. During migraine or cluster headache episodes blood vessels on the surface of the brain become swollen; while this is not the only change that occurs and may not be the only factor contributing to pain, it has become clear through decades of widespread triptan use that the narrowing of these blood vessels significantly alleviates or eliminates pain during these types of headaches. Auras and other symptoms associated with migraines, such as light sensitivity and nausea, are also often alleviated. Because of the way this medication works---it is not a painkiller---it will have no impact on other types of headaches, such as tension or sinus headaches.

Using Imigran Nasal Spray

Imigran Nasal Spray is available in two strengths; 10 mg and 20 mg. This is how much medication is delivered in each dose (spray). The standard dose that most patients use is 20 mg, though some find 10 mg sufficient. The lowest effective dose is preferred, as risk of side effects does increase with higher doses.

The medication is easy to use:

• Administer one dose at the earliest symptoms a headache is developing.
• If symptoms return, an additional dose may be administered as long as there is at least two hours between doses.
• Do not exceed 40 mg of Imigran Nasal Spray in a 24 hour period.

Effects start to be felt about 15 minutes after administration. It is not unusual for other medications, such as traditional painkillers like ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, to be taken along with triptan medications during a headache episode. Patients are strongly advised to check with a doctor before doing so, particularly if there are any major medical conditions present.

Other Imigran Options

Imigran is available in a variety of formulations. Cluster headache-sufferers in particular should pay attention to the speed at which the medication begins to work; this is often a critical factor in effectiveness.

• Imigran Tablets - the slowest-acting form of the medication, effects are felt about 30 minutes after administration. Tablets are generally not the best choice for most cluster headache-sufferers.
• Imigran Radis - these tablets are designed to be dissolved in fluids. Effects are felt slightly faster than regular tablets. Ideal for patients who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets, though it will taste bitter.
• Imigran Subject Injection - the fastest-acting formula, effects are felt in 5 to 10 minutes. Ideal for cluster headaches or severe migraines. Injections are delivered subcutaneously (just beneath the skin) rather than into muscle or veins; the small, fine needles used are virtually painless.

Dosage and administration instructions will vary by formulation; be sure to read the insert included with each product.

Before Using Imigran

Most people use Imigran Nasal Spray with no problems; some patients do experience mild side effects, but the alleviation of pain usually compensates. There are, however, some risk factors that put patients at higher risk of experiencing serious side effects. This product should not be used without doctor approval if there is a history of:

• Heart problems, angina or stroke
• Vascular disease or poor blood circulation
• Liver or kidney impairment
• Severe or untreated hypertension

Imigran Nasal Spray can interact with other medications. In particular triptan medications like this product should not be used within a week of taking SSRI, SNRI, or MAOI medications (usually prescribed to treat anxiety, depression and similar mental conditions). If in doubt, check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications.

Imigran ships from the UK.

Imigran Radis (sumatriptan succinate) is a triptan medication used to alleviate pain and other symptoms in migraine and cluster headaches. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the head, which become swollen during migraine and cluster headache episodes. It is not effective on other types of headaches.

Imigran Radis comes as tablets, distinct from regular Imigran tablets in that Imigran Radis is designed to be easily dissolved in fluids---ideal for patients who have difficultly swallowing whole tablets. Imigran Radis tablets can also be swallowed whole and are broken down in the stomach faster than regular tablets as well, providing slightly faster relief. Regular tablets may also be crushed and mixed with fluids or foods, but will not dissolve as readily.

How to Use Imigran Radis

Imigran Radis, like all forms of Imigran and all triptan medications, works best if taken right when a headache starts, though it will still help relieve symptoms if taken at later stages. The standard dose is 50 mg; this dose may be increased to 100 mg if 50 mg doesn't fully alleviate symptoms.

Administration is simple:

• Take one dose of Imigran Radis at the earliest signs a headache is starting. Tablets can be swallowed whole or dissolved in fluids or wet foods, such as applesauce.
• If pain and/or other symptoms are not sufficiently alleviated, or the headache returns, a second dose may be taken after two hours.
• Do not exceed 300 mg in a 24 hour period.

Avoid mixing this medication with other drugs without first speaking to a doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions; resulting side effects can be serious. Of particular concern is SSRI, SNRI, and MAOI medications, which are usually prescribed to treat depression or similar mental illnesses.

While Imigran Radis works slightly faster than regular Imigran tablets, it is not the fastest delivery method. Some individuals---particularly those who experience cluster headaches---find faster methods to be considerably more effective. Alternative options are:

• Imigran Tablets - classic tablets which take about 30 minutes to begin working.
• Imigran Recovery - similar to classic tablets but only available in 50 mg doses. Unlike other forms of Imigran, Imigran Recovery is available over-the-counter in some parts of the world.
• Imigran Nasal Spray - single-use nasal spray units that begin working in about 15 minutes.
• Imigran Subject Injection - the fastest delivery method, injections start working in just 5 to 10 minutes. Those who experience severe migraines and cluster headache-sufferers usually find injections to be the best option.

Before Taking Imigran Radis

While generally a safe medication, some individuals are at greater risk of experiencing potentially dangerous side effects. Check with a doctor before use if there is a history of:

• Any heart problems, angina or stroke
• Vascular disease or poor blood circulation
• Severe or untreated hypertension
• Liver or kidney impairment

Fortunately, most side effects are mild and pass quickly. The most commonly-encountered side effects include:

• Flushing or feeling warm, particularly in the chest area
• Mild dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Drowsiness

Serious side effects are rare if this medication is used properly, but do sometimes happen. Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Severe stomach pain
• Fainting
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Rash, hives, or swelling on the face, eyes, or lips (allergic reaction)

An overdose of this medication, or accidental ingestion by children, pets, or any other unintended recipient, warrants emergency medical attention.

Imigran ships from the UK.

Imigran Subject Injection (sumatriptan succinate) is a potent and fast-acting triptan medication, highly effective at treating migraine and cluster headaches. This medication is not effective on other types of headaches.

This medication is, as its name suggests, administered by injection. There are two purchasing options:

• The starter pack includes 2 cartridges and a reusable pen injector.
• The refill pack includes 2 cartridges, which fit into the pen injector.

Each cartridge contains 6 mg sumatriptan, equivalent to one dose.

Many patients are understandably averse to administering medication via injection. This product, however, is delivered subcutaneously---just beneath the skin, rather than into muscle or veins. Needles used for subcutaneous injections are very short and fine. The pen injector included with the starter pack makes administration a breeze; simply load a cartridge into the pen, position it on the upper arms, upper thighs, buttocks, or other fatty area and press the button on the pen---fast, easy, and virtually painless. The insert included with the product contains detailed instructions about using the pen injector.

Taking Control with Imigran Subject Injection

Triptans are recognized around the world as one of the most effective migraine and cluster headache treatments available---in fact it's one of very few medications proven effective at managing pain from the notoriously difficult-to-treat cluster headaches. Like all triptan medications, Imigran Subject Injection only works to halt a headache in progress. If administered before symptoms are present it will not help prevent a headache from forming.

Effects are best if the medication is administered at the start of a headache, though it will still provide benefit if administered at later stages. Imigran Subject Injection is particularly effective in cluster headaches, and individuals who experience particularly severe migraines also tend to prefer injections over slower-acting formulations.

Standard treatment is simple:

• Administer one dose (6 mg, one cartridge) at the first symptoms of a headache, or as soon as possible if unable to do so at the headache's start.
• If symptoms return a second dose may be taken after two hours.
• Always wait at least two hours between doses.
• Never exceed 12 mg (2 doses) in a 24-hour period.

Effects are felt within 5 to 10 minutes of administration. Side effects from Imigran Subject Injection, if experienced at all, are usually mild and pass quickly. Common side effects include:

• Flushing or feeling warm, particularly in the chest area
• Mild dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Drowsiness

Imigran Subject Injection can interact with other medications. In particular triptan medications like this product should not be used within a week of taking SSRI, SNRI, or MAOI medications (usually prescribed to treat anxiety, depression and similar mental conditions). Likewise medications containing ergotamine or other triptan medications should be avoided while taking this product. If in doubt, check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications.

Other Imigran Options

Patients who would rather not use injections will be happy to hear there are several other formulations of this highly-effective treatment available. Most people with mild to moderate migraines find these other options work just fine, eliminating pain, auras and other symptoms. Those with severe migraines or who experience cluster headaches may find nothing works quite as well as Imigran Subject Injection.

• Imigran Tablets - effects are felt about 30 minutes after administration. This is the slowest-acting form of the medication.
• Imigran Recovery - similar to classic tablets but only available in 50 mg doses. Unlike other forms of Imigran, Imigran Recovery is available over-the-counter in some parts of the world.
• Imigran Radis - similar to tablets, this formula is designed to be dissolved in fluids. Effects are felt slightly faster than regular tablets. Ideal for patients who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets.
• Imigran Nasal Spray - effects are felt about 15 minutes after administration.