Imitrex (sumatriptan) is a member of the triptan class of drugs, widely used to stop migraine and cluster headaches. Since the introduction of triptans in the early 1990s the medication has proven to be safe and effective; in fact, when administered by injection, it is one of the most effective treatments available for cluster headaches.

The medication is unlikely to alleviate symptoms of other types of headaches and will not prevent other types of pain; it is not a painkiller. It works by constricting swollen blood vessels in the brain, thus reducing pressure on the brain. This action often completely eliminates the pain associated with migraines and cluster headaches, as well as the nausea and auras sometimes present with migraines.

Fast & Effective Relief

The Imitrex Injection Treatment Pack is a complete kit containing everything needed to stop a migraine or cluster headache:

• Injection pen activated by pressing the button on top.
• Two syringe cartridges which simply need to be inserted into the injection pen.
• Carrying case to protect the pen and cartridges from damage and exposure.

Like all triptan medications, Imitrex should be administered at the earliest signs a headache is developing, be that pain or auras. There is no benefit to using Imitrex in the absence of symptoms; it will not prevent new headaches from forming.

When administered at the early onset of symptoms headaches are often completely aborted. The medication will still provide some relief if taken at later stages of a headache, but may not completely eliminate it. It is because timing is so critical that triptans are often given via injection; it is the fastest way to get the medication flowing through the body. Use at earliest symptoms is particularly crucial in the notoriously difficult-to-treat cluster headaches. The Imitrex Injection Treatment Pack is easily carried on the go or stored at home, work, in the car or anywhere else for fast access when symptoms begin to develop.

Refill cartridges are available with the Imitrex Injection Refill Pack.

Treating Headaches with Imitrex

The cartridges included in the Imitrex Injection Treatment Pack as well as the refill pack each contain 6 mg of sumatriptan, which is the standard dose. Typical treatment consists of:

• Administer 6 mg, or one dose, at the earliest symptoms of a headache.
• If the headache persists after one hour, a second 6 mg dose may be administered.
• Never exceed 12 mg in a 24 hour period.

Effects are usually felt within 5 to 15 minutes of administration. The injection pen included with the Imitrex Injection Treatment Pack is virtually pain-free; simply position the pen on the upper arms, upper thighs, hips, buttocks or other fatty area and press the button on top of the pen.

Use of other medications while taking Imitrex should be avoided without doctor approval; many patients do use other treatments, such as painkillers, along with triptans, but there is always a risk of side effects or reduced effectiveness when combining medications.

Other Options

Some patients are, understandably, disinclined to administer medications via injection. Imitrex is available in several less-intrusive forms, though, as mentioned above, these other administration methods are not as fast-acting and may have little effect on cluster headaches:

• Imitrex Tablets
• Imitrex Orally Dissolving Tablets
• Imitrex Nasal Spray

There are also a number of other triptan medications available in addition to the sumatriptan found in Imitrex, such as rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan and others, most of which are also available in a variety of tablets, nasal sprays and injections. Searching our site for "triptan" will produce a wide range of options for combating migraine or cluster headaches if the Imitrex Injection Treatment Pack doesn't sound like the ideal choice.

Precautions & Warnings

Imitrex has proven to be a very safe medication if used as directed. However, there are some scenarios in which it may not be the best choice, particularly if there is a history of:

• Poor blood circulation
• Coronary heart disease or angina
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Ischemic bowel disease
• Unusually severe headaches

Similarly there is a concern for side effects when Imitrex (or any triptan) is mixed with medications in the SSRI, SNRI, or MAOI categories; these medications are often used to treat depression or anxiety-related disorders.

Imitrex (and other triptans) should not be used if pregnant or nursing, or if trying to become pregnant.