How does Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) work?
Migraine is believed to be caused due to widening of the blood vessels in the brain. Sumatriptan, which is a serotonin (or 5HT) agonist, works by stimulating serotonin receptors. This effect leads to a narrowing of the blood vessels. Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) has been studied and approved by the FDA for the prevention of onset of migraine. Many news and forums on the drug describe it as the “migraine killer”, a term that can be applied effectively when the drug is taken just as the symptoms of migraine appear.

Side effects of Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex)
Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) side effects occur commonly in most patients and include low severity symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, muscle pain, skin reddening, feeling of heaviness, sneezing, runny nose, cough, irritated nose or throat, unusual taste in mouth, and sleepiness. There are also some dangerous Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) side effects that require medical attention; these include chest pain, sudden numbing of one side of the body, confusion and imbalance, increased heart rate and agitation, severe stomach and body pains, bloody diarrhea, seizures, and bluing of fingers and toes.

Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) tablets should never be administered to adolescents or children under the age of 18 and adults aged 65 years and above. For such patients, doctors should prescribe alternative treatments. Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) dose should be taken only as required; it is not a regular dosage treatment. Indiscriminate use or overdose of Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) could lead to severe side effects. While its effects during pregnancy have not been studied, Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) should only be administered to pregnant women if the benefits outweigh the risk of Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) side effects.

Guidelines before taking Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex)
Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) cannot prevent migraines; it can only reduce severity of symptoms. This medication should not be taken to treat regular headaches. Keep a gap of at least two hours between successive dosages of Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) but do not extend the dosage beyond 300mg in a 24 hour period. Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) is not advisable for heart attack patients or those who have angina, stroke or high blood pressure.