Sumatriptan, is used to treat severe migraine headaches.
It is an antimigraine medicine. Migraine headaches are believed
to result from dilatation of the blood vessels in the head. Sumatriptan
causes constriction of the blood vessels, thus relieving migraine
headache. While it is very effective in relieving migraine, it does not
prevent or reduce the number of attacks of migraine. Many people find that their headaches go away completely
after they take sumatriptan. Other people find that their headaches are much less painful, and that they are able to go back to their
normal activities even though their headaches are not completely gone. Sumatriptan, often relieves other symptoms that occur
together with a migraine headache, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.
SIDE EFFECTS: For many migraine sufferers sumatriptan,
appropriately used, has been a valuable and effective treatment in
aborting attacks. Side effects are generally transient. Some common side
effects include pain or tightness in the chest or throat, tingling,
flushing, weakness, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, and sweating.
Rarely, allergic reactions (even anaphylaxis) have been reported,
usually in individuals who are highly allergic to multiple allergens.
The effects of sumatriptan during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. This medication does appear in breast milk and could
affect a nursing infant. If Imitrex is essential to your health, your
doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment
with sumatriptan is finished. |
