Posts Tagged ‘Imitrex’
January 11, 2012 | 
Author Hopefully there is a new formulation of sumatriptan(brand=Imitrex) coming..it is a skin patch of sumatriptan, that is a relatively low dose, few side effects…it lasts a long time, maybe very good for long, prolonged migraines. The only side effect that is worrisome is an occasional skin rash. This bypasses the GI system, which is a problem(due to slowing of the gut during a migraine) with tablets..the tablets often just sit down there and do not get absorbed very quickly. This sumatriptan patch(from NuPathe Pharm..) may be useful for those with chronic(frequent) migraines……
The main abortives for clusters remain:
- triptans (Imitrex, Maxalt, etc.),
- oxygen
- analgesics
- lidocaine nasal spray
- ergots.
Triptans do work the best, particularly Imitrex injections (many cluster sufferers get by with 2 or 3mg, which is half of a vial). Oxygen, 100% at 7 to 10l/min, works for about 60% of pts. Analgesics can take the edge off, but do not stop the headache. Lidocaine is very mildly, if at all, effective, but may be helpful while awaiting something else to work. Ergots are not used much anymore, but can be very helpful, albeit with more side effects.
Posted in Uncategorized | 
Tags: cluster, cluster headache, ergots, Headache, Imitrex, lidocaine, oxygen, triptans | 
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Several new triptans (Imitrex-type meds) have come on the market in the past year and a half; Axert (almotriptan) came out 1.5 years ago, and more recently Frova. There are pluses and minuses to each.
Axert is relatively mild, with very few chest symptoms; it is well tolerated, but does not always pack the impact (work as well) as Imitrex. Frova is longer-lasting, with a half-life of 26 hours, which can be both good and bad. I will explain more about Frova later. Frova is mild, takes longer (up to 2 hours) to work, and is good for longer-developing, slower onset, more moderate migraines.
Posted in headachedrugs | Tags: Axert, Frova, Headache, headache medications, Imitrex, triptans | No Comments »
