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IMIGRAN - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
DRUG NAME: Sumatriptan succinate
USE: Migraine/ headache relief
This medicine belongs to a group of drugs called serotonin
agonists, which is used for the relief of pain associated
with migraine and cluster headache.
Migraine is thought to be due to the widening of certain
blood vessels in the head, where Imigran works via 5-HT1
receptors which are responsible for making these vessels
normal again. This effect usually relieves migraine within
30 minutes in a high proportion of sufferers.
CAUTIONS:
Heart disease (family history) or previous heart attack
Ergotamine preparations (used for prevention of migraine)
Liver and kidney impairment
High blood pressure
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Elderly
Smokers
Chest pain (angina)
History of stroke, epilepsy or brain tumour
SIDE EFFECTS:
Occasional: Pain, tingling, heat or flushing, drowsiness,
dizziness, faintness, nausea (vomiting).
Tell your doctor immediately if you feel/have: heaviness/
tightness of chest (wheeze), abnormal heartbeat, a fit/convulsion,
or you collapse, develop skin rash, or swollen face/eyelids.
INTERACTIONS:
Ergotamine (Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (Dihydergot)
and methysergide (Deseril) can cause vasospasm (avoid for
24 hours).
Antidepressants (MAOIs, SSRIs), and lithium have increased
risk of toxicity with Imigran.
PATIENT INFORMATION:
Follow the instructions carefully on the label of this
medicine (do not exceed recommended dose).
This medicine may take from 30 minutes up to 4 hours to
work (you may take another tablet only if directed for same
attack).
Take Imigran as directed when migraine headache begins
WITH A LARGE GLASS OF WATER.
Caution: Driving or operating machinery as this medicine
may cause drowsiness.
Do not take any other medicines unless directed by your
doctor/ pharmacist.
Contact your doctor or seek urgent medical attention if
side effects are severe (wheeze, skin rash, collapse) or
ongoing (esp. nausea and faintness).
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