Imigran Tablets - Migraine Treatment

Imigran Tablets are used to treat migraines. The active ingredient sumatriptan is a type of 'triptan' medicine that helps stop migraine sickness quickly. Migraine symptoms may be caused by the temporary widening of blood vessels in the head. Imigran is believed to reduce the widening of these blood vessels. This in turn helps to take away the headache and relieve other symptoms of a migraine attack, such as feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) and sensitivity to light and sound.

What is Imigran used for?

Imigran (sumatriptan) is used to treat acute migraine attacks, with or without aura. It helps relieve headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound by narrowing blood vessels in the brain.

How should I take Imigran?

Take Imigran as soon as a migraine begins. Swallow the tablet whole with water. If your symptoms return, you can take a second dose after two hours. Do not exceed more than 300 mg (six 50 mg tablets or three 100 mg tablets) in 24 hours.

What are the common side effects of Imigran?

Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling of warmth, heaviness or tightness in the chest, throat, or other parts of the body, and temporary increase in blood pressure. These effects are usually mild and temporary.

Who should not use Imigran?

Imigran should not be used by individuals with high blood pressure, heart problems, or those who have had a stroke. It is also contraindicated for people taking MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, or other triptans. Always consult your doctor before starting Imigran if you have any of these conditions.

Can I use Imigran if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Consult your healthcare provider before using Imigran if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Limited data suggest there is no increased risk of birth defects, but safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not fully established.

How quickly does Imigran work?

Imigran tablets usually start to work within 30 to 60 minutes. If the first tablet does not relieve your migraine, do not take another one for the same attack.

Can I take Imigran with other medications?

Imigran can interact with several medications, including ergotamine, MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, and other triptans. Always inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Don’t use Imigran:

• - If you’re allergic to sumatriptan, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• - If you have a heart problem such as narrowing of the arteries (Ischaemic heart disease) or chest pains (angina), or have already had a heart attack
• - If you have circulation problems in your legs that cause cramp-like pains when you walk (peripheral vascular disease)
•  -If you have had a stroke or a mini-stroke (also called a transient ischaemic attack or TIA)
• - If you have high blood pressure. You may be able to use Imigran if your high blood pressure is mild and is being treated
• - If you have serious liver disease
• - With other migraine medicines, including those which contain ergotamine, or similar medicines such as methysergide maleate; or any triptan or 5HT1 agonist (such as naratriptan or zolmitriptan)
• - With any of the following anti-depressants:
• - MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or if you have taken an MAOI in the last 2 weeks
• - For children under 18 years of age.

Always take this medicine exactly as a healthcare professional has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. When to take Imigran:

• - It’s best to take Imigran as soon as you feel a migraine coming on, although - you can take it at any time during an attack
• - Don’t use Imigran to try to prevent an attack - only use it after your migraine symptoms start.

• - The usual dose for adults aged 18 to 65 is one Imigran 50 mg tablet, swallowed whole with water. Some patients may need a 100 mg dose - you should follow a healthcare professionals advice.

The active substance is sumatriptan (50 mg or 100 mg). The other ingredients in the tablets are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, methylhydroxypropylcellulose (E464) and titanium dioxide (E171). The 50 mg tablet also containslactose, triacetin and iron oxide (E172).

Possible side effects:

• - Pain, heaviness, pressure or tightness in the chest, throat or other parts of the body, or unusual sensations, including numbness, tingling and warmth or cold. These effects may be intense but generally pass quickly. If these effects continue or become severe (especially the chest pain), get medical help urgently. In a very small number of people, these symptoms can be caused by a heart attack.
• - Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), although this may be due to the migraine itself
• - Tiredness or drowsiness
• - Dizziness, feeling weak, or getting hot flushes
• - Temporary increase in blood pressure
• - Shortness of breath
• - Aching muscles.