Imigran® is a prescription medication used to treat migraine headaches. Sold under the brand name Imitrex® in the United States, this medication has sumatriptan as the active ingredient. Sumatriptan, also known as triptan, is a serotonin agonist. Serotonin agonists are migraine treatments that mimic the body’s natural responses to serotonin production in the brain.
Scientists and doctors do not understand everything about the brain and migraine attacks. Research shows that most migraine headaches occur when blood vessels in the brain widen. Imigran® helps the blood vessels return to normal size. Reversing the widening of the blood vessels will stop migraines from continuing.
The brain has serotonin receptors called 5HT receptors. These receptors regulate the effects of serotonin produced by the body. Sumatriptan medicines, such as Imigran®, are migraine treatments that work with these receptors. The medication stimulates the response of the receptors in the same manner as serotonin, tricking them into responding.
Migraines can be very difficult to deal with when they occur. They cause a strong throbbing pain, but there are also other symptoms. Migraine attacks also affect the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to symptoms in other areas of the body, such as nausea and cold feet or hands. Imigrain® is designed to combat most of the additional symptoms that accompany a migraine.
Treatments for migraines and migraine prevention are two different types of medications. Preventative medications are often prescribed for people who suffer from regular migraine attacks, and should be used in conjunction with a treatment medication, such as Imigran®. The preventative medicine is generally taken once daily. Migraine treatments, on the other hand, are taken with each migraine headache that occurs.
The dosage of Imigran® prescribed will vary depending on the severity of the headaches and how well the patient responds to treatment. This medication should be taken at the earliest part of an attack, but it not always possible to catch the onset of a migraine headache. It can be taken at any point during a migraine headache, and will usually still be effective.
Side effects of Imigran® are minimal. The most common effects that can occur is tingling or minor discomfort of the nasal area. This migraine treatment is not known to cause drowsiness for most people, but it is a possibility to be aware of. Immediate medical care is necessary if certain side effects are experienced, such as an irregular heart beat, chest pain, or trouble breathing.