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Treating Migraines and Cluster Headaches

Treating Migraines and Cluster Headaches

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Sumatriptan is a generic drug sold under brand names Imitrex, Imigran and treximet. It treats migraine and cluster headaches. Prompt treatment help one to return to normal routine. Migraine effects 1 in 8 person, in women and in the age of 30 to 50 years.

HISTORY                                                                                                                                     

Search for new anti-migraine drug started at Gla

xo in 1972. In 1960 studies showed that constriction of vessel could reduce migraine attack. 5-HT drug showed many side effects. Scientist started to discover specific agonist for 5-HT receptors. AH25086 was a compound developed. It showed constriction of vessels. Though it wasn’t released due to low fraction of unchanged drug that reaches the systemic circulation. Studies lead to the discovery of the first triptan drug. Sumatriptan had both criteria. It was first launched in the Netherlands in 1991 and became available in USA in 1993.

MECHANISM

It is a medicine used in migraine and headache. It stimulates the 5-HT1B receptors on the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. This narrows blood vessels all over the brain. It reduces the vascular inflammation due to migraine. It work by making those vessels normal by narrowing them. This reduces symptoms of migraine.

DOSAGES

It available in four types: 1. Oral, 2. Injection- under the skin, 3. Nasal spray, 4. Rectal. It is available in following strength.

  1. Oral tablets- 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
  2. Injection- 4 mg/0.5 ml, 6 mg/0.5 ml, 3 mg/0.5 ml
  3. Other method-20 mg/ in h, 5 mg/ in h, 6.5 mg/ 4 hr

The subcutaneous route provide best relief from pain. If case of no effect or no improvement, give a second dose. Difference between two doses should be 2 hour. Maximum recommended dose is 200 mg.

ADVANTAGES

  • It is useful to treat migraine
  • It relieves headache
  • It helps reduces pain
  • It treats other migraine symptoms like nausea, vomiting etc
  • Helps to return to normal routine due to prompt treatment
  • It effects certain natural substance that cause narrowing of blood vessels in the brain
  • Effective and tolerable
  • Adverse events are mild and moderate
  • Adverse effects last for short duration
  • Safety records and evidence based prescription instruction

SIDE EFFECTS

Some of the common side effects are;

Major side effects are rare cases. But it is necessary to look for a doctor for any of these symptoms.

  • Nerve pain
  • Severe numbness on one side of the face or body
  • Severe or continuing pain stomach
  • Unusual bleeding
  • Trouble speaking or swallowing
  • Vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

PRECAUTIONS

It is necessary to Inform doctor in certain cases as given below:

  1. Allergy to the ingredient in Sumatriptan
  2. History of heart disease, or other blood vessels disease
  3. Uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe liver problem
  4. If one have used certain other migraine medicines in past 24 hours.
  5. History of kidney problem or seizures
  6. Women in past menopause
  7. Man who is older than 40 years
  8. One is overweight

Inform doctor as some medicines can interact with Sumatriptan

COST OF GENERIC VS BRAND DRUG

The cost per pill of Imitrex in USA pharmacy is $5.63 while the generic Sumatriptan is $2.92 that’s almost half the price. This shows that the difference in cost between the Imitrex and Sumatriptan but both provide the same effect.

Buy Sumatriptan

Read Before Buying Sumatriptan

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Sumatriptan is a prescription medication. It comes in an oral tablet, nasal spray, nasal powder and an injection solution. It is approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration or FDA for the treatment of migraines in adults with and without an aura. It is also indicated for the treatment of acute cluster headache. It helps relieve the symptoms of migraine such as vomiting, nausea, sensitivity to light and pain. It may be used as part of combination therapy. That means to say you can take it with other medications in treating migraine and acute cluster headache.

Sumatriptan belongs to the group of drug known as serotonin-1 receptor agonists. It works by affecting the serotonin (5-HT), natural substances in the brain that causes narrowing of the blood vessels. It helps bring the blood vessels back to their normal size. It also helps prevent the body from releasing serotonin.

Why Buy Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is an effective and cheap anti-migraine medication. Both the generic and brand names have the same mechanism of actions and drug interactions. However, the generic Sumatriptan is cheaper than the brand names.

The different forms of Sumatriptan offer practical options to help you manage your migraines. You can choose other alternative routes of this medication that will allow your body to absorb the medicine easily for severe migraines. The injection form, in particular, works faster than the pill. It also provides more rapid relief of migraine symptoms.

How to Take Sumatriptan?

Take Sumatriptan as needed. Before taking this drug, review the dose given by your physician. Take it exactly as directed.

Pill

The pill form is available in various dosages. The starting dose is 50mg to 100mg. If the migraine is not relieved within the first two hours, you may take the second dose. The maximum dose is 200mg a day.

Nasal Powder

Use 11mg of Sumatriptan nose powder on each nostril. If migraine symptoms persist within two hours, you may repeat the treatment once. The maximum dose must not exceed 44 mg a day.

Nasal Spray

Sumatriptan nasal spray comes in a single dose of 5mg, 10mg and 20 mg. Use 5 mg dose on each nostril. The maximum daily dose must not exceed 40 mg a day.

Injection

The initial dose is 3 mg and can be repeated 3 times. The maximum daily dose is 12 mg.

Things to Remember

  • Use Sumatriptan with caution if you have:
    • Serious heart problems
    • Stroke
    • Poor blood circulation
    • Serious bowel disorders
    • Uncontrolled blood pressure
    • Seizure
    • Liver problems
  • Pregnant women or are planning to get pregnant must talk with their doctor first before using this drug.
  • Sumatriptan is not suitable for children.
  • In case of serious side effects like a heart attack, vision problems and changes in mental health, contact your physician right away.
Migraine

Anti-Migraine Drugs

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Migraines are severe, painful and recurring headaches on one side of the head. The pain that a migraine can cause can last for hours or even days. It comes with vomiting, nausea and sensitivity to smell light and sound.

Many people use the word migraine to describe a severe headache. But a migraine is the result of any changes in the brain.

There are two types of a migraine

  1. A migraine with aura- There are warning symptoms that occur before the attack. This includes blind spot, tingling in one side of the face and flashes of light.
  2. A migraine without aura- People with disease suffers from this common migraine.

Causes of a migraine

The specific cause of a migraine is unknown. But there may be changes in the chemicals that send messages between the brain cells. Other factors that may trigger a migraine includes:

  • Foods- Skipping meals, processed foods, salty foods
  • Physical causes- Stress, lack of sleep
  • Food additives- Artificial sweeteners and MSG can cause a migraine
  • Drinks- Caffeinated beverages can cause a migraine
  • Sensory stimuli- Sun glares, bright light, loud sound and strong perfume
  • Changes in the environment- Changes in temperature can prompt a migraine
  • Medications-Oral contraceptives can worsen a migraine
  • Hormonal change- Menstruation

Signs and Symptoms of a Migraine

Signs and symptoms of a migraine may start one to two days before a headache. This stage is known as the prodrome stage with symptoms such as:

  • Being irritable
  • Food cravings
  • Depression
  • Low energy

For migraines with aura:

  • Tingling sensation in the face, legs and arms
  • Difficulty speaking clearly
  • Seeing bright spot
  • Loss of vision

Attack stage symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Throbbing head pain
  • Vomiting
  • Sensitive to light and sound
  • Pain on one side of the head

Migraine pain can last for 4 hours. If not treated, it can last up to 72 hours. The pain may start out as mild. But the pain may become moderate to severe if left untreated.

Post-attack symptoms:

  • Tiredness
  • Decreased energy level
  • Dizziness

The adverse effect of the problem

Problems that may happen during a migraine attack which include:

  • Problems with the overuse of medicine
  • Abdominal problems
  • Chronic pain
  • Persistent aura

Preventive measure of a migraine

The preventive measure includes:

  • Avoid your triggers
  • Do not skip a meal
  • Watch what you eat
  • Avoid caffeinated drinks
  • Downsize your stress
  • Choose relaxing exercise
  • Avoid bright light
  • Avoid loud noise
  • Take vitamin supplements
  • Sleep on a regular schedule
  • Avoid stress

Anti-migraine medicines

Anti-migraine medicines include:

  • Naprosyn
  • Sumitriptan
  • Imigran subject
  • Rizact

Migraine diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose your migraine by listening to your symptoms. Your doctor will also perform an exam to know the cause through a CT scan.

Migraine treatment

Treatment for migraines can help stop the symptoms and prevent future attacks. There are a lot of medicines that can treat a migraine and they fall into two categories:

  1. Pain-relieving medicines

This medicine can stop the symptoms of a migraine. It should be taken during a migraine attack.  Examples of pain-relieving medicines are:

  1. Preventive medicines

This medicine can reduce the severity of migraines. It should be taken every day.