Imigran: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Main ingredient in Imigran is Sumatriptan. Imigran is given to treat migraine headaches in adults. Imigran relieves the intensity of the pain and other symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light, though it does not prevent nor reduce the frequency of attacks. Imigran can also be used for cluster headaches. Migraine is believed to be caused by swollen or dilated blood vessels; Imigran acts on neurotransmitter serotonin (5HT) receptors in the brain by narrowing those blood vessels. Imigran usually takes about an hour to relieve the symptoms. Imigran should only be given when the pain from migraine attack does not respond to regular pain killers like Aspirin, Acetaminophen (paracetamol) or Ibuprofen.

IMIGRAN SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of Imigran may include dizziness, nasal discomfort, muscle weakness, nausea, neck pain, numbness, vomiting and temporary rise in blood pressure. Rare side effects of Imigran may include severe allergic reactions, anxiety, asthma, agitation, changes in heart rhythm, confusion, constipation, cough, depression, difficult or painful urination, fatigue, pressure in chest, rapid and throbbing heartbeat, rash, ringing in the ears, tightness in chest, tremors, and vision changes.

IMIGRAN WARNING

Imigran should not be given to those with high blood pressure or who have or are at risk of heart disease or condition. It should also not be used if you have liver or kidney disease.

Imigran must not be given for 2 weeks after taking an MAO inhibitor drug such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

If you develop severe chest pain after taking Imigran, seek medical help right away.

Imigran injections should not be injected into a vein. This could result in a serious heart irregularity.

Though rarely, severe and fatal allergic reactions have occurred in people taking Imigran. In rare cases, people taking Imigran have suffered seizures.

IMIGRAN AND PREGNANCY

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your physician before taking Imigran as animal studies have shown damage to fetus..

Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Imigran.

IMIGRAN INTERACTION

Check with your doctor before combining Imigran with the following:

Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors
Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot and Ergostat
Luvox
Paxil
Prozac
Zoloft

IMIGRAN DOSES

Imigran is not recommended for children under 18.

IMIGRAN INJECTION

The maximum single recommended adult dose is 6mg injected under the skin. Injection should not be given intravenous.

The maximum dose that may be given within 24 hour period is two 6mg injections taken at least 1 hour apart.

IMIGRAN TABLETS

The usual adult dose is one 25-100mg tablet taken with meal or milk. The maximum dose for a day should not exceed 200mg.

Those with liver disease should not take more than 50mg of Imigran Tablets at one time.

IMIGRAN NASAL SPRAY

The recommended adult dose ranges from 5-20mg taken at the onset of the attack and repeated once, if necessary, 2 hours later. Doses are usually taken as a single spray in one nostril, but if a 10mg dose works best for you, you can take it as a 5mg spray in each nostril. Do not use more than 20mg at a time, or take more than 40 mg per day.

IMIGRAN OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Imigran overdose may include convulsions, dilated pupils, inactivity, lack of coordination, paralysis, redness in the arms and legs, skin changes at the site of injection, slow breathing, sluggishness, tremor, nausea and vomiting.

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