Migraine

anyone ever tried the imitrex injections? if so what were the results, good, bad? i just got the prescription t from my headache specialist today, i'm kind of nervous about it because it involves giving myself a shot (yes i'm a nursing major haha)which i've never had to do. we're hoping it works because we're going towards the end of the triptan line at this point.

Kate -
Good luck with the Imitrex!! I'd at least give it a "shot"

Triptans don't work well for me, but we're all so different, it could be a miracle drug for you!!!

Cyn

I have just been given Imitrex injections to try. I have only used it once and it gave me severe stomach pain. It was really weird. I took the shot and for the first hour or so I felt great. It took away my migraine! Then all of a sudden I started getting these stabbing pains in my stomach. It woke me out of my sleep. For the rest of the night I was up thinking I was going to have diarrhea and at one point wishing it would happen because the pain was so horrible. It continued into the next day and that night. Now I am afraid to try it again (and right now I have a bad migraine that won't quit) because I don't want that stomach pain to happen again.

Did anyone else have this happen?

Bri so sorry to hear about your experience!

Kate for me the injections work fast and well, and with fewer side effects than the Imitrex tablets. since it's an automatic injector I think it takes less nerve than actually giving yourself a regular injection with a syringe - you just press a button. You do have to hold it in for 10 or 20 seconds (whatever it says on the packaging) to be sure all the medicine is delivered.

- Megs

i used the injection yesterday and got some intense flushing and got some severe tingling in my hands for about 10 min. however, i felt good for about 5 hours. i guess i'm ok with the side effects because i haven't gotten that kind of relief from anything. i'm hoping that my body will get used to them, but at the same time i am hoping that i won't have to use the shots too many times, as we'll find a good combo of preventatives. i am hoping that it keeps working.

megs- you're right, it is pretty easy with the automatic injector i can pretty much do it anywhere which is nice as with many days of the week i am away from my room and in class.

I've only ever had the nasal spray form of Imitrex. I didn't have any side effects from it, though it tasted nasty. I rebound on it something fierce, though, so we ditched it for a trial of Midrin, which continues to work fabulously for me.

I see you've used it since, with some pretty decent results overall. I'll root for good results to continue!

I'm glad you had success with it! I used to use it too and didn't have any problems with the actual injections although I will admit that while I'm in pain I'm not very coordinated and have been known to trigger it before it's even close to my leg...duh!

It didn't work for me- and I found out JUST how sensitive to sumatriptan I was that day in the doctor's office. Uggh.

As for the plunger, I'm gunshy- It's not something I could get used to. I'm fine with needles though. Perhaps it's cause I feel like I have full control of the syringe... also I've been giving my diabetic cats shots for years now.

Glad that you had a good experience. Anything that makes Migraine treatment for you and less of a hassle is great in my book!

My HA specialist talked about a "rush" you feel after giving yourself the injection. For me, that "rush" felt like my head was going to explode for 5 or 10 minutes. Does that happen to anyone else?

i've never felt that kind of rush, but i've definitely felt a kind of fush right after i've taken one.

hi i have found the injections work for me within 5 mins..

It's my go-to treatment med because it works the very best for me. I can relate to that rush feeling, but it's a positive thing for me, not a negative one.

I wish more of the triptans were available in injectable or nasal spray forms because the relief is just so much faster.

Diana

My usual reaction with imitrex shots is a rush that I feel in my hands and arms , then my head will pound and hurt more and then I fall asleep and wake up headache free. I only do the injections when I wake up with severe migraine. If I am awake I can usually abort them with an imitrex pill. I have recently started using the generic version and I don't think it's the same. I rarely get the "rush" and sometimes it doesn't work at all.

Good Morning,

I've had the same bad problems with imitrex pill and injections. I felt neasa and had vomiting afterwards. I also had chest pains. My doctor told me it's just another intolerance to a drug and need to try something new. But LOL I'm getting such a long list now.

Dutchess