There are 398 ratings for the drug: IMITREX in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for imitrex: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
				F  M
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4	Daily migraines for 38 years	Very tired and sleepy, frequent urination.	I started at age 40 with migraines 1 to 2 times per month. They became more frequent as I grew older, now have them almost daily. I avoid foods that trigger migraines, always wear sunglasses outside (often inside), and stay away from fragrance and chemicals as much as possible, but I am under a lot of stress, even as retired. I limit my computer time to 45 minutes 3 x daily and TV to 2-3 hrs in evening. I now have to take Imitrex almost daily but fear the side effects and possible rebound from Imitrex. I seldom take other pain killers or other prescription drugs. Fortunately, I have low blood pressure and a good heart.	F	78	18 years		6/15/2009
3	Severe Migraines	Nose Tingling, Heart Palpitations, Hot flashes, Fatique, Racing Pulse, Urgent Urination, Feeling of dying,dizziness, Rebound Headaches,hangover, Extreme jaw pain with first bites of food after taking pill.	Have had migraines for 50 years. Incresed frequency after menopause. Many days lost out of my life. At first Imitrex shots were a gift from Heaven. Later went to pill slowly increased to 100mg. Side effects have become more severe in last few years and pill doesn't always work. The die effects are now worse than the migraine, hard to imagine but true. I will no longer take them for fear of heart attack or stroke. Haven't taken one in two months, frequency has been greatly diminished, down from 3 to 5 a week to 1 or 2 a month. I can live with that.	F	75	14 years		11/24/2008 Email
4	Migraine headaches	A little tired and slowed down the next day.	I have heard that older people should not take the drug. My Doctor did not tell me that but I read it somewhere on the internet.	F	74	4 weeks		11/9/2006
5	Migrain	I don't have a side affect only relief	I have been taking Imitrex for about 10 years,mine would move from one side to the other,4 days of each. The Dr. said I have sinus allergies that triger the migrains, but I think they are hereditary, my mother had them, also my brother, and my oldest son, and a granddaughter. I am so thankful someone discovered Imitrex.	F	73	10 years		9/19/2008
5	Frequent migraines	None, except I sure sleep well if I wake up with a headache, take 33 mg Imitrex (one third of a 100 mg tab) along with 1000 mg Tylenol, and go back to bed. I'm 6' 1" tall and weigh 150 lbs.	As far as I'm concerned, this is a miracle drug, but I fear I've become addicted to it, and am now experiencing rebound headaches. I've just eliminated all known triggers from my diet (caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, citrus, cheese, nuts, etc.) in the hope this will reduce and eventually eliminate my dependence on Imitrex.	M	69	10 years		2/8/2009 Email
5	lifelong migraines	None after first few doses years ago (warmth around head and neck). New: sleepiness.	Have begun to experience sleepiness after 25mg. I consider Imitrex to be a life saver and miracle drug. Tho I'm getting older and a couple of doctors have suggested I shouldn't take it, I'm fortunate enough to have a doctor now who suggests no limits for me. I have daily (on average) headaches, mostly tension-headaches leading soon to migraine. Imitrex always works. I've told everyone if they kill me, I'd rather die than suffer for the rest of my life with migraines. I've come to this site just to check out prevalence of sleep after Imitrex. Common! Perhaps more so with age? It contributes (along with other drugs) to dopeyness for some hours. Watch out for beer, clonazapam and Imitrex unless you need a sleeping pill!	M	68	15 years		6/23/2009
5	Severe headaches, migraine & other	It's the only thing that stops a migraine. I get a slight rush when I take it and I have to lay down for an hour or two for it to work. Then the headache is gone. Unbelievable. My head aches for a day or two if it's a particularly bad one.		F	68	3 years 50 1X D		5/21/2010
4	rebound asprin headaches	Good at first, but now having a lot of nausea.	I was suffering with asprin rebound headaches cause of using too much. Hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer. While in hospital doctor put me on Imitrex. Been on imitrex for 8 years now. I really believe that I am experiencing rebound headaches caused by the imitrex. I'm back in the same situation I was in before with asprin. Doctor did not inform me of this side effect. I have been so depressed having to deal with these everyday rebound headaches. If I try not to take an imitrex and wait the headache out, I get very nauseated. I believe my body is hooked on the imitrex. Is anyone else having a similar problem.	F	68	8 years		8/28/2009
5	migraine	lightheadedness, sleepiness	Imitrex has been a lifesaver for me. I've suffered with migraines for 45 years. For many of those years, my headaches were frequent and severe, sometimes lasting 3 days and resulting in vomiting and the lack of ability to do much, other than stay in bed in a dark, quiet room. About 15 years ago, I heard of the newly-approved Imitrex and started using it whenever I get a migraine. I've had very good success with it as migraine relief, although every so often I have to take two pills. Also, there are some times that the headache simply will not go away, but that's rare. The frequency of my headaches has not changed, however. I still get them 4-8 times per month. Imitrex is not a preventative, but it is not advertized as such.	F	66	15 years		11/28/2009 Email
5	common migraine	Brief increase in pain, sleepiness, occasional bruise at site of injection	This drug has made my life so much better. I get relief within 30 minutes. Sometimes I feel groggy for a few hours after the headache quits. I need to wait 1 hour after eating or drinking in order to prevent vomitting immediately after injection. The pills and nasal spray do not work for me, but the 6mg injection is like magic. Cost is a factor, but worth every penny.	F	65	6 years		1/13/2010
5	frequent headaches (migraine?)	After reading negative side effects of others it seems they are either using too high a dose or the injections which hit almost instantly and too hard (brief intensification of pain). I went thru this and eventually went to half doses of tablets. It takes longer but results in slower relief with no unpleasant side effects. All triptans except sub lingual Maxalt seem to work for me. Even cheap Mexican versions when I can get them.	Have been taking for maybe 10 years since I found out about them.	M	65	8 years		2/21/2008
4	migraine	this is a follow-up "report:" I *think* Imitrex is causing heart symptoms: rapid heart beat, breathlessness at slight exertion -- but I'm not sure because I often take another med within a few hours if Imitrex doesn't work. Has anyone else experienced this with Imitrex? If so, feel free to contact me at my e-mail address.		F	65	6 years		9/12/2002 Email
4	migraine	sleepiness	When I started Imitrex tablets, 6 or 7 years ago, it worked perfectly every time. Now, it sometimes does not work, takes longer to work, or makes me very sleepy. If I rotate Imitrex, Maxalt and Zomig, this seems to be more effective.	F	65	6 years		6/9/2002 Email
5	migraines		it was a great medication and should not have been taken off the market because the patent was expiring, Its replacement treximnet is very good, but very expensive!	F	64	10 years 40mg 1X D		7/10/2010 Email
5	lifelong migraines	very slight sleepiness after	A lifesaver. I have a life now & work full time as a librarian. Missed out for the clinical trials for this as I am prone to PAT (which I am on meds for) so they didn't want me. Imitrex has caused NO problems with the PAT. Migraines made it worse.	F	64	8 years		3/15/2006
5	migraines	slight warm feeling for a few seconds		F	62	6 years		10/29/2002
3	Cluster Headaches	Sometimes sleepiness, nausea, dizziness. Sometimes it worked great, sometimes not at all. Probably depending on the severity of migraine and when taken.	My Mother actually used to take imitrex so I'm commenting on her behalf. She has been getting cluster headaches every 18 months for 6-8 weeks like clockwork for 40 years. I know she had mild success with imitrex but great success with RELPAX. Anyone looking for a new med to try for clusters/migraines, this one might be it for you.	F	62	6 weeks		10/19/2009 Email
5	Migraines	chest constriction initially. Now it just makes me drowsy from time to time.	I'm a 61 year old male and have been suffering from Migraines since my early 20's. I've tried EVERY conceivable drug to try to prevent my migraines but have had no luck. I get daily migraines and use approximately one Imitrex per day and have done so for YEARS... I'm concerned about the numbers of Imitrex I'm consuming but it is the only thing that gets rid of my migraines once they start. I have been followed by a noted Neurologist for the past 15 years and we have tried literally everything including herbs and vitamins. Imitrex is a life saver but I'm concerned about the huge numbers of Imitrex that I consume. There is no literature reagding the long term effect of daily Imitrex ingestion. I guess I'm one of the guinea pigs....	M	61	14 years		5/21/2005 Email
4	Migraines	Throat, head and chest tigtness. Usually within a half hour I have to urinate very badly. I get very sleepy and can sleep for hours after taking Imitrex. It makes me a little nauseous also.	I started having migraines at age 61 which is consider out of the ordinary. My symtoms seem to be the onset of severe fatigue, following bouts of several hours of sleep. Then usually a migraine will come after these symtoms. Imitrex helps if I take it as soon as these symtoms occur or if I take it after the migraine has begun. However, the fatigue and frequent sleeping occurs after taking the Imitrex as well as before the onset of the migraine. I need to know if others experience this extreme fatigue before the onset and also after taking Imitrex. I would also like to know if anyone else experiences the urgency to urinate within a half hour or so.	F	61	1 years		9/16/2005 Email
4	migtaines	loss of muscle strength wheb I have to take it often	50 mg losing its affect needing 2 doses often\ new rx is for 100 mg	F	61	2 years		10/30/2004
4	Migraine headache for 15 years	very interesting. mostly sensitivity to heat on hands. sleepiness if taken at night-sleep longer and deeper. very bad reaction if taken with alcohol, or if there is alcohol in my system.	My first injection of Imitrex was in the 90's, shortly after it was introduce. I had a friend who had bad migraines. She would end up in the hospital. She was the person who convinced me that that was what was going on with me. I just called them my "spells" and would pop Tylenol in huge quantities for days. The injection took the pain (and all the other stuff one has with migraine) right away. It was a miracle. I used the injections until the pills came out, and have been fine-tuning their use ever since. One of the most important things I've learned is what triggers my migraines. That took a VERY long time. My very worst trigger is MSG, or any of the other flavor enhancing chemicals added to most processed food nowadays. I don't know what I would do if I hadn't figured that out. Alcohol is also a factor, but only in certain amounts and at certain times of the month. Those times are hard to predict as I am 60 years old and left menopause years ago. It has taken many years to figure out how to take Imitrex without it actually making my headache worse, which will happen if any of the substance which triggers it is still in my system. It's a tough life, not being able to eat at restaurants (most of them, anyway). My advice to people is to look at what they eat. And research the other names for MSG on the internet.	F	60	15 years		10/13/2009 Email
1	I was injected once for migraine.	I had horrible chest pain, loss of cognition, ached and was in bed for months. I was put on disability very quickly, as it was obvious how sick I was. It is 13 years later, and I still suffer from chronic fatigue and cannot work. I really wish I had sued.	People, Imitrex causes heart palpitations and other side effects. Research on the Internet to learn how dangerous this drug is. Glaxo knows about these deaths but is choosing to ignore it. Implore your doctor to give you pain medication instead. I was lucky to get a prescription, but if your doctor doesn't prescribe pain meds, you can get them on the Internet. It's better than dying!	M	60	1 days		7/1/2009 Email
1	migraines	45 minutes after taking Imitrex I suffered a heart attack. Since all other factors were eliminated, doctors feel Imitrex caused a piece of plack to dislodge and move to the Left Anterior Descending artery and cause a blockage. Had STENT placed. Very scary experience.		F	60	4 years		12/19/2004
5	migraines	Very few and minor. First started with injections--the effect was miraculous--some soreness at injection site. Later switched to pills, which took longer to work but were less expensive and more portable. Neurologist had me try newer triptans over the years but Imitrex works best for me. For the past year I have been receiving Botox injections from the neuro, in my forehead and back over my skull and neck. I have now had four treatments (every three months) and the cumulative effect of the Botox is very beneficial, which is something his other patients are also reporting. I have only used Imitrex twice in the last eight weeks. My insurance is paying for most of the Botox treatment. It is worth checking out.		F	59	12 years		5/4/2006
5	migraines	I notice my jaws tingle when I first chew food about an hour or so after I've taken a tablet. But then it disappears. I also find about 45 minutes after I take Imitrex I have to urinate badly. There must be a diuretic in there somewhere.	My migraines often occur around the full moon though drs. and friends think I'm nuts. However, Now my female friends are noticing a coincidence between their headaches and the full moon also. I have not identified any specific triggers but that-no special foods or drinks. For years I was misdiagnosed b/c I do not get the aura beforehand but I do get one eye tearing and thick saliva at the onset of a migraine. Would love to know if others experience similar things.	F	59	10 days		9/10/2005 Email
5	migranes	fatigue and vagueness		F	59	25 1X AN		7/5/2010
5	severe migraines	Slight rapid heart beat, not bad. If taken on an empty stomach I will get unbelievably sick. Eat a couple of crackers first. Two injections cost me about $145 now. Don't know how long I can afford them.	A friend's doctor stoped giving prescriptions to her, said she is too old to take it. She is 60.	F	59	12 days		2/11/2005 Email
5	severe migraines	Slight rapid heart beat, not bad. If taken on an empty stomach I will get unbelievably sick. Eat a couple of crackers first. Two injections cost me about $145 now. Don't know how long I can afford them.	A friend's doctor stoped giving prescriptions to her, said she is too old to take it. She is 60.	F	59	12 days		2/11/2005 Email
5	Onset of migraines	A little tired, but about 1 hour after taking I have a sudden absolute need to urinate. Is Imitrex a diuretic?	Love this med. I should have bought stock in the company. It's a life saver.	F	59	6 years		1/10/2010
5	Severe migraines	Relief from debilitating migraine pain. Best side effect ever. There does seem to be a momentary warm "washing" feeling the moment the pill takes affect, but it's not a bad feeling.	This is my miracle drug. I want to find the researcher that discovered this and bow down and kiss their feet. My migraines would last anywhere from 4 to 10 days and were so severe, the ends of my hair would shoot bolts of pain through me if touched. The longer I'm on it, the less often and less severe my migraines are. The wonderful part of this medicine is that it's not only non-habit-forming, my body never gets used to it so I never have to increase my dosage, and I only have to take it when I have a migraine or feel one coming on. I've been taking the Imitrex tablets now for 8 years. I've had migraines for 51 years. Too bad there wasn't something for migraines before.	F	59	8 years		7/19/2008
5	Severe Migraines	Side effects of both 50-100mg. tabs. and inj. are fatigue and dry mouth. But, hey, so-o-o much better than debilitating migraine!!	I have SUFFERED miserably w/migraines since 17. So I went through years w/out meds that worked. Imitrex tabs and injections are truly a Godsend to me as I know life before! My daughter also takes Imitrex but a lower dose according to weight, which might make the difference for some of these people on these posts with adverse reactions. Only hope for a generic soon!	F	59	15 years		4/29/2008
4	Migranes	INCREASE of varicose veins... Valve damage??	Works great and quickly on migranes I used 2 mg injection (1/3 of the recomended dosis ) it works in 5-10 minutes, in addition of Tylenol + caffeine 50 mg (jet tablets)	M	59	10 years		2/9/2005 Email
5	Migraine	My migraines due to weather (windy, overcast). Side effects from medication are: soreness throughout my body and inside my mouth, slightly disoriented, thirsty, sweaty. The migraine would be far worse if left untreated. Even with Imitrex the migraine is a 3 day ordeal.		F	58	2 days		6/3/2007 Email
5	Migraines	Sensitive skin is about all I ever get from taking Imitrex. I take 25 mg Imitrex with one Fiorcet and it usually always takes away the horrible PAIN. I have been taking it for about 10 years .	It works great for me so far and made my life so much better. I do have to take the Imitrex with the Fiorcet to work quickly and have longer lasting relief. My Dr said that is fine.	F	58	10 years		7/31/2007
5	CRONIC CLUSTER HEADACHES / ATTACKS	When you are in this position of 2-3 clusters daily and no medication to control the pain, I've concentrated more on the relief of severe trigeminal pain - and not concentrated on the side effects. I had been set up for brain surgery, however the surgeon suggested getting a 2nd opinion , which led to the use of imitrex, and trying other medications.	I take two shots a day - and percodan when I cannot use another shot. I've recently found out that as a result of all the prednazone I've taken over the past 31 years, I now have osteoporosis - I am somewhat concerned about the long term effects of the imitrex - however at this point - the relief of pain takes priority.	M	58	2 days		9/21/2007 Email
5	migraine/morning headache	slightly noticeable tight feeling in chest and jaw for short amount of time, not enough to be alarming, occurring a few hours after taking 50 mg. imitrix	During the last year I have begun feeling numb and sometimes tingling, in both of my feet and legs up to my knees. Two doctors and a neurologist have not been able to figure anything out..no diabetes. I also take 50 mg toprol for heart palpitations and borderline high blood pressure.	F	58	10 years		5/30/2006 Email
4	migraine	extreme fatigue after taking it, almost as if I have the flu. Need to sleep is almost impossible to overcome.		F	58	10 years		12/20/2004
5	migraines	It has worked well for years - like a miracle. Now when I take it, I have concerns about my heart because of palpitations, etc. These sensations don't last long so I will still take Imitrex for migraines. Will also alert my doctor to the side effects I am experiencing. Fortunately I'm having much fewer headaches than ever before (an actual benefit of getting older?)	CAFERGOT: very bad reaction when taken with Imitrex - thought my head was going to explode (and I'm used to severe migraines!). BIAXIN, an antibiotic: I had an allergic reaction (shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat) when taken with Imitrex. I always check for drug interactions now before I take anything, especially anything new.		57	14 years		10/14/2004 Email
5	Migraine headache	Just a bit light headed.	This is a MIRACLE drug!!!! I have experienced migraines since I was a teen and didn't I couldn't believe how well it worked. No drowsiness, just relief!!!! I started out with 25 mg., went to 50 and now 100, but sometimes I can cut one in half and it stilldoes the job. I am so thankful to have discovered this medication. It is my only relief. I don't have a migraine every month, but when I do, they usually last 2-3 days.	F	57	13 years 100 mg. 1X M		5/2/2010 Email
5	migraine headaches	Mild tingling in mouth and throat for about 2-3 hours after dose.	Side effects are worth it. This really knocks out my migraines.	F	57	1 years		1/13/2008
4	migraine	Side effects minimal and can be managed. Mostly prickly feeling in mouth and throat. Never had migraines until about 3 years ago, after menopause. Didn't know what it was----thought I was dying. A trip to the ER and many tests later revealed migraines. Still haven't figured out what triggers them. Imitrex---100mg. at onset really helps. I can function at work and at home. My advice is don't wait until it gets unbearable. You know the difference between a regular 2 Tylenol headache and a migraine. Take it soon and you won't suffer.		F	57	1 years		9/14/2007
4	Migraine headache	tightening of jaw, muscle aches similar to flu, lethargy, dizziness upon rising	I have taken Imitrex for over 20 years with great success. However in the past 3 years the side effects have become as much of a problem as the migraine. If I take Imitrex to treat the migraine I literally spend the day in bed with muscle weakness and lightheadedness.	F	57	20 years		6/30/2006
4	Migarine	A full feeling in my chest. Very sensitive skin. Even a warm shower hurts my skin. Breathing slightly labored. Heart seems to be working harder. Since it "squeezes" everything in your body (like your blood vessels to stop that nasty surge of blood in your brain that's causing the pain) including other internal organs, it causes me to pee soon after I take it. Yep, even the kidneys see some affects. All this usually peaks after about 45 minutes after I take it.	I've been taking Imitrex for about 10 years. Once all the side affects peak and the drug meets the migraine pain, I can actually feel the pain back off. Of course I would rather have relief than go through vomiting and hiding in a dark room for days, but it scares the heck out of me that this drug affects the rest of my organs so much. I just read a book titled "The Migraine Cure". I had my hormones checked because of this book. I mean it was a HUGE blood draw. I had my DHEA level checked because of that book. At 56 years I should hardly have any DHEA. I was found to have triple the amount. That causes vascular complications! This will cause huge migraines!! I will be working with my doctor to lower my DHEA levels. Run, don't walk and insist on having a thorough blood test that checks ALL your hormones and adrenal hormones. If there is imbalance,get your doctor to work with you to level your body out. I used to think I was doomed to have these headaches forever. Now I know I	F	56	10 years		10/6/2007 Email
1	migraines	I had a vaso-spasm heart attack in Nov. 2003 thirty five minutes after taking a 50mg. Imitrex. I was never a smoker, not overweight, did take BP meds but my pressure was controlled. Doctors had no problem prescribing Imitrex. Took it intermittently over a 10 year period. Then, suddenly, had a heart attack. Literature says it can do that but of course, you never think it will be you.		F	56	10 years		12/28/2004
1	migraine without aura	chest tightness, esophageal discomfort like reflux but mild, heart palpitation, bad malaise. Poor to no relief of migraine even after 3 hours of side effects.	I really question the safety of this drug. My dumbass doctor forced me to quit taking Fioricet (which worked) for this nasty stuff. The doctors and pain specialists in Oregon seem to really buy into the BigPharm BS about efficacy of newer drugs.	M	56	4 months		11/4/2008
5	migraine headaches	None	Imitrex has helped me more than any of the other migraine drugs I have tried.If I can take the medicine as soon as I feel a headache coming on I can usually get total relief within an hour.Sometimes I don't get it in time and then nothing helps. I have not had any side effects but I am always aware of the potential for it and try not to take too much of this or any medicine.	F	55	15 years 25 mg 1X M		2/11/2010
5				M	55	12 years		8/29/2006
5	Migraines	With the injections I feel a little dizzy and get a whistling in my head. With the 50 mg pills I get no side effects at all.	I got my life back. I spent 20 years with migraines that kept me in bed, dark and quiet room and close to the toilet because of extreme nausea. I usually had two headaches a week that lasted from 2-4 days. Trying to keep a job and raise childrem as a single mother was a real challenge (I did it but it was not easy). Prior to triptans, Migraine sufferers had to go to the hospital for a demoral shot that knocked them out. Most of the time we would wake up and still have the headache. I have had "atypical migraines" that mirror TIA's and have gone to the hospital thinking I was having a stroke. Imitrex gets rid of the headache (even the atypical ones) - first or second try. My doctor has expressed concern that I am taking too much of it but I have a life now. I know that I will be able to go to an event tomorrow or next week because my headaches are managed. I did not have that before Imitrex. I couldn't plan anything in advance.	F	55	10 years		10/15/2006
4	Classic Migraine	Imitrex always significantly lessens the symptoms of Migraine if it does not abort the process completely. It totally prevents the "migraine hangover" of the following day. However, it makes me feel like a rag doll ... absolutely no energy, takes every ounce of energy to even move across my bedroom. And if I do not eat something soon after taking the pill, I get very nauseated.	As far as any migraine medication is concerned, Imitrex is the best for me. I have typically taken the 25 mg. tablet (or the 50 mg tab broken in half). Unfortunately, since developing Crohn's disease and the exhaustion and lack of stamina associated with that, I am afraid to take the Imitrex. I experienced a Migraine the other day for the first time in over a year. I would not take the Imitrex since I had just had an infusion of Remicade the day prior. Need I say it was rough?	F	55	12 years		11/25/2007 Email
3	Severe Head Pain	Occasional neck pain. Nausea if I don't eat within 10/15 min. after med. Heart pounds loud to the ears, and occasional rhythm change.	Never concidered more than a dose of 25mg. Insurance pays same for 50mg so I cut in half and get twice as many. The best defense is to recognise the migraine early and take the meds. I've had these headaches for twenty years. Maxalt worked for a few years, then I became immune. W/o migraine is nice, but will pay with death from heart attack or stroke. Good luck! PRO	M	55	3 times		1/5/2008
1	migraine	Severe body aches, chest pain, ringing in the ears.	What finally worked for me, after years of trying different medicines and therapies is valium and aspirin. If I take a couple of valium and aspirin early in the aura, the symptoms stop and I get no headache.	M	55	30 days		3/2/2007
5	migraines since age 13	Joint pain, that's it.	It's a godsend for me. I would me 72 hrs non-stop pain, throwing up, not able to function at all.	F	54	9 years		6/19/2007 Email
5	Chronic migraine without aura	No side effects. None. Not ever.	Good drug - especially for the basic migraine. I almost always need to take more than 50MG. Also need to inject DHE for the really bad ones.	M	54	3 years		2/25/2008
5	migraines	I have taken Imitrex for years - since it first came out. It amazes me to read about its side effects for some people. I have NEVER had any side effects, just blessed relief 95% of the time.	Because I never have side effect and because Imitrex works so well for me, I think I might over-take it. I am beginning to wonder about rebound headaches, which I just learned come from over use of Imitrex, as well as from over-the-counter medicines. Don't overdo it!	F	54	6 years		2/26/2008
5	splitting migranes for 25 years....	almost nothing, very mild drowsiness/sleepiness but not bad enough to bother me, having to urinate like crazy about 60 minutes after taking the med (& strangely just about the time it begins to take effect on the headache symptoms)	Nothing else has worked on the nausea, eye pain, light sensitivity, etc, not to mention headache pain.	M	54	5 years		10/12/2005
5	migraine	i take the injections. I take them at least once a week and have done for many years. i have to lie down, or if at my desk at work put my head down for a few very drowsy moments. Pins and needles in scalp and back of throat. but have come to welcome these feelings, as I know relief is very soon to come. Same with the pain of injection - it is nothing once you get used to it, and relief comes within 10 minutes.	This drug has greatly, greatly enhanced my life. The injections work far, far better then the pills. My neurologist explained that by the time you take the pills, your stomach has shut down, and this may interfere with absorption. I sometimes take the pills as a preventative measure for a situation I know will cause a migraine, like an overseas flight. I do worry, very much, about the long term impacts of taking this drug, but have made the personal decision that it is worth it, because, bottom line, it allows me to function almost like a normal person.	F	54	10 years		5/31/2008
1	migraine	heart palpitations, racing heart, agitated	For migraine I have been taking valium and aspirin early in the cycle = works 90% of the time to stop a headache. Doctor talked me in to trying imitrex, but I won't take it anymore. Going back to what works best, the valium and aspirin.	M	54	10 days		8/30/2009
5	Cluster Headache	The only side effect I experienced was with the imitrex injections. I was having 5 clusters a day and was using to many injections. The imitrex injections was causing more headaches from using too much. I have had no side effects of the imitrex pills. However because it is cluster headaches the pills only work if I take them before I go to sleep. That way I prevent the headache before it comes on. The cluster becomes full blown in ten minutes but it takes the pill twenty minutes to work so the only way for the pill to work is to take it before I go to sleep.	I have had cluster headaches since I was a teenager. They come along every year and a half to two years. They last three weeks to six months. During the cluster period I have them every night and sometimes during the day. My insurance will only cover the imitrex injections or the pills every twenty four days. I get two shots or nine pills every twenty four days. The rest of the time I have to deal with the pain. Any suggestions are welcome.	F	53	20 years		6/3/2009 Email
5	Migraines	Just a little nausea sometimes	Could not survive without this med. I've suffered with headaches since I was in my teens. I have to take at least 50 mg. 3-5 times a week, since I have chronic migraines. I don't understand why these meds are rationed to people who suffer with migraines. Physicians have lost all authority over what their patients need because of the insurance/pharmaceutical companies. Been using Imitrex for over 9 yrs.	F	53			1/13/2010 Email
5	migraine	Sometimes a racing heart feeling, but no major side effects. On the 50 mg, I had to go up to 2 pills, 4 hrs apart, at times. But now I am taking the 100mg, and it's fine.	I would not be able to function without Imitrex. I've had debilitating migraines for my whole life, Imitrex is the only drug that makes them go away completely. I wish my mom, who was a migraine sufferer, had had Imitrex, it would have really helped her.	F	53	5 years		2/9/2009 Email
5	migrane	Absolutely no side affects. The injection site becomes a little red but goes away within an hour.	I don't know what I would do without this drug. When I get a migrane, I take the injection and it is such a relief within 15 minutes I am back up and going. It is a miracle for me. I use to suffer for days with a migrane but not anymore.	F	53	15 years		12/12/2008 Email
5	migraines	first several times I felt flushed and tingly; a few months later I started having intense tightness in my chest and neck; now I've started having flu-like aches, everything is an effort, I want to lie down, and I am sore to the touch...like the skin surfaces and just below hurt when I press slightly with my fingers.	Imitrex works for me when nothing else does. I take other meds first; if they don't stop it, I take the Imitrex. Sometimes I need a second dose before it works. With the changes in the side effects and finding out I have TIA's - I may have to look for alternatives.	F	53	3 years		10/6/2005
5	Migraines	At first, 18 years ago, I did experience a funny feeling in my head, like someone was squeezing it and a tightness in my chest.But that all went away after awhile. I have no side affects now and havent for many years.	Have had these migraines since I was around 10 years and I am 53 now. I took TONS of OTC drugs with no help and just suffered terribly. Ruined alot of days that should have been good. Then,eventually, imitrex came out and I still get alot of migraines, even now at 53, but imitrex allows my bad days to be to where I can function and for that I am ever so grateful. I wont go anywhere without my imitrex. Its next to my bed, in my purse etc. I just had an EKG done recently and my heart is good and I have not had any side affects of taking imitrex all these years. For those of us who suffer from this curse, we all do what we have too for relief and my relief comes from Imitrex. I can use half a pill at times, but when its a BAD one, I do have to take the whole 100 mg.	F	53	18 years 100mg 1X AN		8/18/2010 Email
5	severe headaches every morning	When I feel a headache starting to come on I take Imitex in pill form and there is no side effect. When I am in full blown headache mode I take a shot and I within 5 minutes there is a tingling or warmth feeling. But thats it.	Unless you are a fellow headache sufferer, you have know idea how great it is to stop a headache on a dime. Its the only thing that has allowed me to function normally. I hate to sound like a commercial, but it has truly been a wonder drug for me. I just wish it was a little cheaper in that insurance companies try to ration my usage. I actualy pay for it myself when I run over my monthly allotment if needed. That is how critcial this drug has become to my well being.	M	53	15 years		3/31/2008
4	Migraine	I get very sleepy about a half hour after taking it; the sleepiness lasts 30-60 minutes. If I can sleep during this time, I usually wake w/o a headache. However, during the past year or so, I now get very achy joints for 12-24 hours after headache goes away. Still worth it in my book to prevent the headache.		F	53	10 years 100 mg 8X M		8/20/2010
4	Severe Migraines			F	53	50 mg 1X D		5/4/2010 Email History
5	Migraines	Side effects are......tingling in legs, heart palpitations, get sleepy, urinate more frequently, and stinging in jaws when I eat about 30 minutes after taking the pill.	I have taken Imitrex for 14 years. It has been a lifesaver for me. My migraines began at age 23. At age 37, I started taking Imitrex. 14 years later at age 52, I sit here with constant, unrelenting muscle/nerve spasms in both legs. Not sure if Imitrex caused it. No other medical problems to blame it on. I guess if I had it to do over again, I would take the Imitrex because the suffering was intolerable in my early years.		52	14 years		9/28/2005 Email
5	Chronic Migraines	I use the injections and couldn't live without them. I feel good and slightly high after the headache breaks.	I have had chronic severe migraines for 30 years. There have been times where I have a headache 20 days a month, but mostly I use about 10 injections. I have tried many preventatives without much help and the side affects are so sever I don't like them. Imitrex injections do hurt, I don't like to take them but they have saved my life and my sanity. I don' know what I'd do without them.	F	52	10 years		9/28/2007
4	MIGRAINE	dizziness	It works most of the time. Sometimes I need a second dose. I have taken it for over 12 years. However, it has many side-effects that make me worry. Has anyone read about the rat/cataract study with Imitrex? It was either on CNN Web site or in the Washington Post.	F	52	12 years		2/6/2005
4	severe migraines	Tightness in throat, sleepiness	I started taking this drug the minute it became available to me in 1993(injectable form). It saved my life, allowed me to be a Mom and have a career. After years of migraines, they have slowed significantly with menopause, which is good, since you aren't supposed to take it post menopause. I had to use injectable form for years because of nausea, but most recently had taken tables.	F	52	15 years		6/27/2008
1	migraine	HEART ATTACK	Within three hours of taking Imitrex for only the second time, I began to develop severe pain in my left shoulder blade area. As the night progressed, I had all the classic heart attack symptoms but delayed seeking medical help until the next morning as I was a healthy 51 yr old, ideal weight, controlled high blood pressure with mildly elevated lipids. Luckily the heart attack was a mild one caused by a spasm brought on by the Imitrex. Unfortunately I am now taking 9 pills a day as the artery involved in the heart attack was too small to stent so I have to take medication to prevent a recurrence. Needless to say I highly recommend caution when considering taking this medication.	F	52	2 weeks		2/29/2008
1	migraine with aura	Med did little to nothing to resolve migrain, aura continued for over 1 hour, headache and nausea lasted for over 4 hours, Imitrex sucks DO NOT PRESCRIBE THIS MEDICATION TO YOUR PATIENTS, EVEN IF THEY CAN'T EFFORD THE GOOD STUFF LIKE MAXALT.		M	52	1 days 50 1X D		8/5/2010
5	Migraine Headaches	I have experienced many side effects at different times: "pins and needles" which especially hurts when showering, joint pain, general nauseau up to 1 hour after taking, hot flashes, sensitivity in mouth. Most common side effect for me is joint pain which makes walking difficult. But I will take these side effects anytime over having a migraine.	Imitrex gave me my life back. It's worth every penny. Usually, it works within 30 minutes, but at times takes up to 3 hours. I've been taking it for about 3 years. Prior to that, I suffered for 35 years. I always make sure I have it with me. I dislike the packaging - too hard to get the pill out of it.	F	51	3 years		9/28/2007
5	migraine headaches	none	Because my migraines are aggravated by weather I do not take Imitrex much in summer months. But when it is damp and cold, I take about 3 or more Imitrex (50 mg each) a month. Have not noticed side-affects. I take Topamax (75 mg) to help lessen intensity of migraines, which works; however, I am concerned about those side effects. Imitrex appears to be a lifesaver. Am hoping I am not surprised by problems later!	F	51	3 years		1/7/2005
5	Cluster Classic Migraine Headache	Empty pocketbook due to the price increases over the past several years ... other than that, I find the medication to be wonderful ... a lot better than Caffergot (old medication)	I love this medication, it has made my pain tolerable. I just wish the price was about 2 bucks a pill instead of 25	M	51	14 years		6/17/2007
4	sever migraines	tingling in the mouth and throat	God bless the makers of Imitrex..before the creation of this there was NOTHING that helped me. I might have to repeat it every four hours BUT it does give me amazing help! Sometimes it does not completely wipe out the headache but it makes it so I can stand it...often it will wipe out the pain for 4 hours..I may need it every 4 hours for three days, but it is WELL worth it. I am now taking Topomax as well. I have had severe chronic migraines for over half of my life. This drug is such a blessing	F	51	10 years		6/7/2008 Email
4	frequent migraines	Some tightness in throat. Difficulty swallowing food. Heavy feeling in shoulders. Increased urination. Some mental confusion. I have taken it for years, haven't heard of or noticed any long term side effects, hopefully there won't be any.	Have taken the pill for many years. Works better than Relpax. And better than the new Treximet, which I think is a gimmick to make up for loss of patent. Sometimes 50 mg would work if I took it early enough, but usually had to take 100 mg. The 4 mg injection works much better and faster with less side effects. The pain of injection is nothing compared to migraine. Fortunately my insurance now covers the injections and I can afford them. Take about 14 shots per month.	M	51	8 years		2/6/2009 Email
3	Migraine	With 100mg pills tightness in chest and neck for 45 minutes then relief. With injection, sometimes no reaction, sometimes pain immediately intensifies for 20 minutes, then feel relief.	Although I get relief, I do not like either the pills or injectable. I prefer the injectable, but hate that sometimes my head feels like it's going to explode after injecting it. I lay down for 20-30 minutes, and then feel human again. I use to get several migraines a month and have figured out what most of my migraine triggers are, food preservatives/additives, toxic chemicals like household cleaning products, paint, gasoline, etc, also purfume/air fresheners, cheese, vinegar, onions,spicy spices, alcohol (any), and soybeans. In the last 8 months I've only had 3 migraines due to avoiding things that cause them. It took a long time to figure it out, and did it through a process of elimination.	F	51	3 years		8/21/2008
5	MIGRAINES	A LITTLE HYPER AND SPACEY FOR ABOUT 30 MIN OR SO. MILD RAPID HEART RATE 20 MIN AFTER TAKING IT. ALOT OF POSTS I READ ARE OVER THE TOP EXAGERATIONS.	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	M	50	10 months		11/27/2009 Email
5	Migraines	Sometimes a little nausea with a large dose	I have been taking Imitrex pills since the week they came out. I take it daily most of the time. I am a health care worker and I could not live and work as a single parent without this drug. It does not impair me in any way and believe me the migraines would be far worse. Imitrex gave me my life back. Most people do not even know that I get them almost every day because I take the pills early enough to stop the headaches. And yes thank god for insurance coverage! I also take Topamax twice a day to help cut down on the frequency but the summertime heat and humidity seem to make them worse anyway. I carry it everywhere I go.	F	50	12 years		6/18/2007
5	Migraines	Slight sore throat, leg muscle soreness. Lasts an hour or so.	It works great on the headaches - I cut a 100 mg tablet in half and one dose usually works like a charm. I just read you aren't supposed to split the pills, but 18 doses lasts a lot longer than 9! I thought I was suffering from sinus headaches for years and years and I finally read that migrains can mimic sinus symptoms (stuffy nose, congestion) I asked the doctor for somethig for migraines and Imitrex was like magic.	F	50	5 years		9/19/2007
5	migraine	Mildy sore throat and sensitivity in my fingers.		F	50			4/20/2005
5	migraine	Warmth in chest and stomach, mild tingling in left arm.	I took the 25mg for several years without any side effects, but they no longer worked so I'm now using the 50mg. The side effects are very mild compared to the pain of a migraine. Things that others complain about like neck stiffness and spacey feeling are normal for me after a migraine anyway. I hate the packaging--very difficult to open when you're in such pain and can barely see straight. Why are these not in bottles?!	F	50	5 years		12/16/2007
5	chronic migraine	None worth noting. It is possible to experience any listed in the product documentation, but any I had were slight, and absolutely trivial compared to the migraine.	Quite amazing that it so effectively targets the source of the problem, with so little side-effect(s). Rarely have I encountered any medicine that works so well. I had just about given up hope of ever feeling 'normal' again. I had a solid localized block of pain for over a year that nothing else had completely removed -- this medicine did.	M	50	1 months		2/21/2008
5	migraine	As the headache goes away, my scalp is tender.	Imitrex gave me my life back. I experience extreme anxiety with my migraines, which makes it hard to relax, and I'm sure that makes the pain worse. I have often been convinced I was minutes from death because the pain was so awful. I have several headaches a month and sometimes several in a week. I thank God for the researchers who discovered sumatriptan. I also thank God for Costco, who charges less for my entire prescription than my grocery pharmacy charges for a single pill.	F	50	8 years 100mg 1X AN		2/27/2010
5	Migraine headaches	I feel a little "spacy" afterwards, but I'm not sure if it's from the drug or an after effect of the migraine. It doesn't affect my ability to work or drive.	It works almost instantly; within 10 minutes I start feeling some relief, and the migraine is totally gone within half an hour.	F	50	2 years		7/3/2006
4	Migraines	Nausea and extreme muscle weakness for several hours		F	50	11 days		6/21/2004
4	migraines	pressure, pain in upper chest and throat	Doctor (expecially cardiologist) advised against taking it anymore because of the symptoms and family history of heart disease. I hated to stop because it's the only thing that works for these damned migraines.	F	50	7 years		12/8/2005
3	Migraine	Confusion, bad taste in mouth, change in vision, hard to swallow, nausea, tightness in neck & shoulders, very puffy eyes & hands, insomnia, anxiety, heavy heart beat, rebound headaches, all-over weakness, feeling like dying, tremor, sore gummy throat, hung over...	Imitrex gets rid of my migraine in 15-20 minutes & that is wonderful but, after about 2 weeks of 2 migraines a day (or more) these side effects are becoming worse than the migraine, I believe. I believe the 2nd or 3rd migraine I get is rebound. I have a migraine as I write and am going to try with Extra Strength Execedrin today instead of the Imitrex. I have got to get off of this @#%&, it's ruining my life. Migraines may be caused by menopause?!	F	50			1/26/2009 Email
1	migraine headache	The side effects were much worse than the headache...and it was a terrible one. I felt like the top of my head was on fire, couldn't raise my head off the pillow without becoming extremely ill, and was basically the scariest medicine I've ever taken. I will NEVER take it again. It also effected my muscles and coordination. I told my husband that I felt retarded...for lack of a better word. The warnings they include on the label are not sufficient enough in their descriptions.	I'd rather deal with the headache. This medicine was just plain ole scary.	F	50	1 days		10/18/2006
5	migraines	tingling, slightly flushed, tired	LIFE SAVER without a doubt! I had "migraines for" about 10 years before I found a doctor who prescibed imitrex. I sometimes thought I was dying becuase I got so sick and the pain was SO INTENSE in my head. I was always HIT with major migraines. The first time I was an given imitrex injection, in only an hour I wanted to out drinking and dancing! ! ! It was like a miracle!!! I had never experienced anything so drastic. I now have the pills to "catch them as they start". I travel with imitrex, I am still too nervous to be without it. ALL I CAN IS IT REALLY DOES WORK!!!!!!	F	49	12 days		3/7/2007
5	daily migraines	Have severe neck problems(need three fusions I'm told)which cause "daily migraines" - this has been the ONLY drug that works the majority of the time. I take 100mg PRN pain...try and wait until I absolutely need something (often). I do not like taking so much, but it's better then the 18+ aspirin per day for several years(yes, I still have a stomach!)just to take the edge off the pain. Imitrex has been a LIFE SAVER!	I do take nortriptiline(20mg) at night to help with the chronic pain, and it has cut down on the amount of Imitrex needed.	F	49	6 years		2/28/2007 Email
5	migraines	When I first started it, I used to get intense flushing. My ears would turn bright red! A little wooziness, tiredness. Those side effects wore off with time.	I'm afraid it is losing its effectiveness for me, after 7 years time.	F	49	7 years		9/21/2003
5	menstrual migraines	When Imitrex first came out nausea and chest pressure were the worst. After they came out with better formula, the side effects were much milder. More like sleepiness, sensitivity to heat, sometimes head pounding for a short time, and body aches. Most side effects became less and less after repeated use.	I have tried many other migraine medications. Nothing else works this well. I am thankful for Imitrex. I take 3-6 a month. I do think the menstrual cramps can be worse for a short time, but that's nothing compared to good migraine relief. Take it when you first suspect a migraine, don't wait. Why wait when you can be over and done with it? But if you wait, it will still work in most cases. I may take a nap with it at the beginning or I may take a walk. A walk clears my head and helps with any of the mild side effects I get. I'm just glad it works for me!	F	49	8 years		9/29/2008
4	Migraines	My hands ache for several hours after I have taken a dose. Neck and shoulder stiffness if common also.	Many of the side effects I am reading in these ratings are the feelings I had after my migraines, so side effects like stiffness in my neck and shoulders seem like nothing if I don't have to have a migraine. After suffering occasional migraines since I was a teenager,and being treated with demerol and phenegran, my life was turned upside down last summer when I started having several a week and then a chronic migraine that lasted six days, resulting in hospitalization. Propholactic drugs did not work, but taking 100mg of Immitrex when I feel a migraine coming on will, on most occasions, effectually stop the migraine. When a whopper hits, I take another 100mg. Stormy weather and hormones seem to be my triggers. I often follow up, after a bout of fighting migraines with a theraputic massage.	F	49	1 years		9/7/2007
4	Migraines	The first few months of taking Imitrex, I had no side effects, but the last couple times the side effects are there, worse with each time. They are nausea, tiredness and depression. They do help the migraine, but it usually takes about an hour to help.	I used to take Zomig until I changed insurance companies and now my insurance will only cover Imitrex. Zomig seemed to work much better, quicker and no side effects.	F	49	1.5 years		11/28/2007 Email
4	20+ years history of migraine	I take the 100 mg pill. 15-20 minutes later: tightness in neck and shoulders, difficulty swallowing, and a weird feeling I can only describe as "nausea in my spine." I know it sounds weird--Sorry! This lasts for maybe a couple of hours. The only symptom that remains after that is a flu-like fatigue that can last for a day.	I used to go to the ER for demerol and/or took narcotic painkillers. Or I would just suffer through 2-3 days of packing my head in ice and avoiding light and sound. I can usually catch my symptoms early enough that the Imitrex actually stops the migraine. This has been GREAT.	F	49	1 years		1/25/2010
2	migraine	I took a sample 100mg dose and all hell broke loose. My heart fluttered, raced and thumped.Never did get rid of the migraine.	Depending on your sensitivity to drugs, I would NEVER start out taking a 100mg pill. Take half or one quarter.It never did get rid of the migraine. Now, 6 weeks later, my heart still thumps so much I can feel it and will flutter randomly. Have seen a cardiologist who said that my heart was fine, but like another poster commented, my heart muscle may be damaged. I feel like the drugs these days come with so many side effects and it is a crap shoot whether the drug will work or not. Drug companies go with studies showing that "most" people get benefits. And what of the others who have life threatening reactions?	M	49	1 days		11/6/2008
1	Migraines	PERMANENT nerve pain in my cheeks. Also, neck and shoulder pain that hasn't gone away. WAS NOT there before taking this garbage. I wouldn't take another one of these pills if you gave me a million dollars. If you are having neck and sholder pain after taking it STOP NOW. There is a good chance that will get worse and not go away.	This stuff is crap. My own dr. wondered how my healthy heart would be effected after being on it. No history of heart problems so that got me wondering. I have not taken in over 2 years...pain in cheeks slowly going away...shoulder and neck pain (esp. right side) persists.	F	49	6 years		3/29/2009
1	migraines	I felt my heart labor, extreme sensitivity to heat(water), my glands burned when I swallowed. I have just been told I have a heart valve problem. I have no history of any heart problems. I am a healthy non smoker with no history of any heart problems.	I would severly caution any one who is taking this drug! They tell you it is safe, I truly believe it isn't!	F	49			9/21/2006

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Average rating for drug: 3.7. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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