Migraine sufferers acknowledge that their headaches can be so strong and intense that it becomes difficult or even impossible for them to fulfill everyday activities. Some time ago they used to relieve migraine pain with the help of medications developed to fight any type of pain. Sometimes it worked well, sometimes not so well. However, these days migraine sufferers can effectively lessen and even eliminate this disorder symptoms by using Imitrex – a prescription medication specifically designed to relieve pain caused by migraine.
Imitrex belongs to the triptan-type antimigraine drugs. Its working ingredient is sumatriptan. This agent relieves migraine pain by affecting certain serotonin receptors in the brain (note that not all receptors are influenced), which results in the blood vessels constricting.
Migraines are believed to be caused by the impaired serotonin levels and serotonin receptors functioning. In case of such malfunction blood vessels in the brain become dilated, which, in the long run, causes headaches. Since Imitrex narrows the blood vessels, it is called a vasoconstrictor.
Under the influence of Imitrex, throbbing or pulsating pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound, peculiar to migraines, are eliminated no matter whether the disorder is characterized with the existence of aura, or not.
It should be noted that Imitrex works best if taken as soon as the first signs of migraine appear. Prescribing these pills a doctor can choose 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg tablets of the drug. The dose is defined by a doctor individually for every patient. If one dose of Imitrex does not improve pain in 2 hours, the second dose may be recommended. Still, not more than 200 mg of medication is allowed in 24 hours.
Imitrex does not cause drowsiness in the majority of patients and is not habit-forming. However, it produces a number of side effects. Flushing, weakness and fatigue, nausea, stiffness, tingling, unusual sensations and perception of heat and cold, upset stomach are the most common. Many patients, though, experience more dangerous adverse reactions: palpitations, chest pain, hallucinations, convulsions and severe allergic reactions.
It is not allowed to take Imitrex by pregnant and breast feeding women (it is likely to cause birth defects, and it passes into the breast milk), by children under 12 and elderly (over 65). Special warning refers to people with cardiovascular problems or the history of heart diseases. It is due to the fact that Imitrex can worsen the risks of experiencing heart attack and stroke.
All the people are different: some of us would rather stand the pain than pose themselves to side effects; others will bear anything to stop feeling the immense and unspeakable migraine, which occurs every single day. The choice is up to you and, of course, your health care provider.
| Tip for you : Sign-in with Your OpenID and post faster, easier and with easy access to all your past posts. | |
|
Your Nick: |
