Imitrex?

[Savas]

I asked the other day if anyone has actually gotten a "midrin" prescription recently as the pharmacy said it wasn't made anymore.

Was given a prescription for something called Imitrex (sp?). Has anyone taken this? The list of side effects are bizarre and disturbing, and I'm contemplating holding my breathe when I get a migraine until I pass out, as opposed to taking this stuff.

[Savas]

I'd have to check into that one. I run low in the blood pressure so I may not be able to use it.

I fully understand the need for certain preventative medications, but when almost every drug on the market has become preventive, it makes me suspicious. Just ten years ago most medications for common ailments were taken as needed. Now every single one is designed to be taken long term. It seems awfully convenient for me that pharmaceutical companies have "discovered" that designing drugs that you have to take "forever" works better for people than immediate action medications.  They conveniently get life long subscriber to their meds...uh huh, yeah right. Big coincidence.

Insulin is a short acting med, by the way. A recent consumer report came out stating that it works much better than all the newer meds they've tried to design to help with diabetes that are more "time released" in nature.
Psych meds are becoming he new life destroying addiction, by the way. I'm hearing more and more people are getting stuck on them, taking them to get past a rough patch, but finding they're a wreck when they come off them. They end up stuck on some of these meds...well...as long as some of us are stuck being opiate addicts!

[tooklastdose]

Sometimes we must take preventitive drugs.
Think of the diabetic that takes insulin
or the bipolar person that takes meds to keep them more level
Or the cardiac patient that takes heart medication.

I understand you concern.

[GA Guy]

I know how you feel about the headaches. It's frustrating to say the least. I can tell you of my experiences. You may find that they help you as well. I can tell you that I have taken 2 different drugs as a migraine "preventative". The first was Topamax. It is expensive. It did reduce the migrianes, but it triggered tension headaches. Go figure. the medication I'm on now is Propanaolol. It's brand name is Inderal. It is a beta blocker. I have not had a single migraine since starting it. It also has the side effect of lowering my high BP..which is a plus. It played a prominent role in the TV show "Private Practice" the other night because it's used in large doses to lessen the effects of PTSD. It's used by many "performers" such as musicians because it lessens stage fright. I never felt those effects. If you have any specific questions, please ask. I've been through the migraine gambit you may say. If I can help you just a fraction of  the amount you've helped me then it's time well spent. God bless..

[Savas]

Sure, it's better than just playing russian roulette with the meds that they offer now. I just saw a consumer reports (off the topic) that mentioned that certain older med's are better than the new ones made now. I think one was diabetics specifically. Not that that helps here... :)

[bettie1976]

my momma started taking a med that prevents them from coming on. Ill let you know how its working for her and the name if youd like.

[Jagarn]

You're a great child for helping your mom by coming on here, she is one lucky mother!

[Savas]

I can't stand these "preventive meds". The idea of taking something that either needs weeks to build up in my system or you have to take at the beginning of the problem is the worst type of design. The only one who really benefits is the company who made it.

    *Sigh* now I've got to worry about whether it's a normal headache or about to turn into a real migraine. Worse, I usually wake up with them (get them while sleeping) so I have a feeling this medication won't be of much help. Well...at least it doesn't happen frequently, either way. :)

Thanks for the info. If all these new medications are so great, why is it they all come with a truckload of side effects???!?!

[GA Guy]

The key with Imitrex, as well as any other migraine medication is that they have to be taken on the ONSET of the migraine. If you're like me, you can tell when they're coming. Savas, don't wait on taking the medication if you think one's coming. It will stop it, but it will not make it go away. I've taken them all at one time or another, Imitrex, Maxalt, Axert, etc. The side effects seem to hit people with underlying cardiac problems or blood pressure problems. I've never had a single side effect from any migraine medication. You will just have to find one that helps. By the way, Imitrex also comes in an at home injectable and nasal spray.

[troubleinohio]

my husband just started Imitrex for migraines. He's only had to use them twic so far and didnt mention any bad side effects...

[bettie1976]

my mom takes these and sometimes they work and sometimes they dont. I tried the imitrex nasal inhaler (yuck, felt like a meth drip) and it didnt work for me.

[Jagarn]

You're a great child for helping your mom by coming on to this site, she is one lucky mother!

[brownie6366]

I suffer from Migraines and I was prescribed this medication first.  One wasn't enough to take the migraine away so I would have to take 2.  I did find that it had weird side effects like pain in my chest, my legs and arms ached.  I told my Dr. so he switched me to another Migraine medication that desolves under your tongue.  So far it is the only thing that takes away my Migraines except for opiotes and we won't talk about that since that is my addiction.

I would try the medication and take it as prescribed and see how it makes you feel.  If at all possible take it when you are at home in case you do have side effects.

Good Luck

[Savas]

I don't get them to often but the taper has been making them happen occassionally. I try to avoid any medication that has a special "emergency go to E.R." list, outside of the normal side effects. This one has like 8 things listed, each more bizarre than the next. My throat may swell??? My sinus's get red and scratchy??? Come on! What ever happened to good ol' fashion "may cause nausea and drowsiness"?!?!

[Carrie76]

Sorry, but I know nothing about it either. Maybe someone else will know something. I've heard alot about it on the commercials though. I know that you probably have already but the only thing that I can think of is the excedrine migraine. have you tried it? Im sorry your in pain. I know that migraines can be excrusiating!!