Home / Blog / Using Imitrex to Reduce Pain in Migraines
Using Imitrex to Reduce Pain in Migraines
By Ariela Abesara
September 13, 2022
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Migraine is a common but serious problem that affects more than 36 million Americans. It is characterized by a severe, throbbing pain in one or both temples, visual disturbances such as blurred vision and sensitivity to light, pulsing pain in the neck, nausea, and vomiting.There are currently no cures for migraines, but an effective drug called Imitrex is widely prescribed for its ability to lower the levels of discomfort and reduce the length of the migraine attack.Imitrex contains sumatriptan, which is one of a group of medications known as triptans. Triptans are 5HT2a receptor antagonists. They block the function of the serotonin transporter protein, slowing down the serotonin consumption rate in the central nervous system (CNS). This will restore the levels of active serotonin and reduce the migraine pain.Doctors usually recommend Imitrex for people who have had at least two migraine attacks with aura in the past year or those who experience chronic migraine with or without aura. It is typically prescribed as an injection, nasal spray, or tablet.Research has shown that low dosages of triptans like Imitrex can effectively prevent or reduce the levels of migraine headaches.
More about migraines
Migraine is a neurological disorder that involves an abnormal increase of electrical activity within the brain. The most common attacks include throbbing headaches, nausea and vomiting, scintillating light and sound sensitivity, and even blurred vision.Current research into the disorder has not yet discovered the cause of migraine attacks. However, the most likely trigger is a fall in the levels of serotonin in the blood, which causes the widening of blood vessels in the brain, causing the throbbing pain of migraine headaches. Many substances in the brain, like serotonin, histamine, and dopamine, can affect the pain level during a migraine attack. Serotonin is responsible for regulating moods like anger, sadness and depression, while histamine controls your sensations such as smell. Dopamine is responsible for alertness and influences your motor skills, like initiating or thinking about movement in your body.Â
What is the best way to use Imitrex?
There are currently no cures for migraines, but an effective drug called Imitrex is widely prescribed.This is just a general guideline. Always follow your doctor’s and pharmacist’s instructions. Most people who suffer from frequent migraines become aware of the onset of the attack 20 – 30 minutes ahead, either from an aura or the first sense of pain or disturbances in smell or vision. It would be best if you take your recommended dose of Imitrex as soon as you become aware that the migraine is imminent. If you can, you should lie down or sit comfortably in a quiet and darkened room. Let people around you know that you have a migraine headache, and try to avoid any activity that will add to your discomfort. You should not drive or work with heavy machinery because the migraine can worsen and because some of the side effects of Imitrex can make you less alert.
Are there any side effects of Imitrex?
Occasionally, triptans can cause side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Other less frequent side effects include headaches, lightheadedness, constipation, abdominal discomfort, sweating, and nasal irritation. When Imitrex is injected regularly along with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin, it can cause fragility at the site of injectionThe side effects are generally mild and should subside after continued use of Imitrex on a regular basis. There is also no evidence that these side effects lead to long term neurological damage. The benefit of drugs containing triptans is that other migraine treatments may take hours or days to relieve pain and symptoms. A triptan treatment can bring immediate relief.The FDA has approved triptans as an alternative to traditional migraine treatments like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It regulates the use of triptans in the United States as a category III medication, meaning that there is some evidence of toxicity but not enough to warrant restrictions on use.
Can you take other drugs with Imitrex?Â
In general, triptans are not contraindicated with other common medications. However, these drugs should be avoided if there is also a history of heart disease or a history of stroke. Corticosteroids and other systemic corticosteroids are contraindicated in patients taking triptans. Adrenaline is highly contraindicated with triptans. If triptan is taken with hydrocodone or other narcotics that can be habit-forming, then the risk of overdose and death rises considerably.Â
FAQÂ
How to choose the best treatment for my migrainesÂ
When choosing the optimum treatment for your migraines, there are some factors you should keep in mind, such as the type of migraines you have and how often they occur. The most common treatments are drugs like Imitrex containing triptans, which block chemical messengers that cause serotonin levels in the blood to fall, resulting in dilated blood vessels in the head. Imitrex is by prescription only, and your doctor will also consider your medical history and any other conditions you may have. Many people have also been prescribed antidepressants during their migraines. These drugs can stop the migraine from happening or make it less severe. Habitual stress can contribute to migraines by raising cortisol levels. This hormone affects brain chemistry and increases the risk of migraines. Your lifestyle can also add to the risk of a migraine as well as the levels of pain you experience.
How do triptans work for people suffering from migraines?
Triptans work by blocking serotonin receptors on sensory nerves. They can reduce the duration of a migraine attack by blocking specific serotonin receptors in the trigeminal nerve (one of three cranial nerves). These nerves are responsible for sensory functions like taste, smell, and pain sensation. Triptans can also work by inhibiting the release of serotonin from neurons; once this happens, a migraine attack will end. It prevents pain signals from reaching the brain and causing symptoms.
Can you prevent a migraine with homeopathy or herbal remedies
Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine that uses very diluted preparations of natural substances as medicines for treating health problems like migraines. Herbal remedies may be useful for treating migraines and other conditions such as insomnia, depression and anxiety.One of the most frequent triggers for a migraine attack is a bout of stress or anger. An effective way to lessen the frequency and level of stress attacks is to take the popular herbal remedy called Calmanervin, a natural supplement used to manage anxiety and insomnia and is also useful to help relax during the day and fall asleep at night.Calmanervin is a natural remedy to treat anxiety and panic attacks, depression and mood disorders, insomnia and sleep disorders. Calmanervin is available from us without a prescription.
What are the differences between medicines for migraines and headaches?
Migraines and headaches are two different types of pain disorders. They can be differentiated by the severity of pain, the frequency of attacks, and the duration of an attack. Headaches are usually milder than migraines. Headaches can also be classified as either primary headaches or secondary headaches. A specific event or substance causes primary headaches and secondary headaches have no identifiable cause. Migraine medications can treat both types of headaches, but they do not work for everyone with a headache. The most common migraine medications include triptans, ergotamines, and opioids like morphine.Imitrex is a type of medication that specifically treats migraine headaches. It works by restoring serotonin levels in the brain, relieving the pressure from constricted blood vessels.
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