Imitrex and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Cyn...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 15, 2014

For Migraine "I have suffered from migraines all my life, and I am now 57. I was prescribed Imitrex at age 39, and the first dose of 50 mg gave me a tightness in my throat, but it stopped the migraine. I suffered with them every day. I finally figured out that MSG in food was the biggest cause of the migraine. MSG is disguised by many names, but I have eliminated a lot of food, and with the help of Imitrex, I can live an almost normal life without a migraine. Imitrex sometimes makes me sleep a lot, and other times I sleep for about 30 minutes, and I'm fine. I praise the makers of Imitrex because nothing else would completely take the pain away!"

• xza...
• June 26, 2013

For Migraine "I completely rely on Imitrex. Once I had this, the daylong headaches are gone. I now know that what I used to call 'sinus headaches' were migraines I had since a teenager, though not bad until into my 40s. My side effects are a little sleepiness and maybe some tiredness, but nothing compared to the debilitation of a migraine. However, I am much more aggressive with eliminating triggers, particularly MSG and processed foods, and this helps. My better diet has reduced my need for Imitrex down to 2-3 times a month."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 8, 2018

For Migraine "I only use this when I am incapacitated from migraine pain (I get it behind my left eye and can’t open it, have a hard time walking/talking, and end up vomiting). It relieves the physical pain, and I am able to see, walk, and talk, but I am still pretty much down for the count. It says you can take it every 2 hours, but MAN, 1 dose and I feel it for the rest of the day. I get very drowsy, my eyes get droopy, and it feels like I’m walking underwater...or through thick honey. Everything feels so heavy. My speech is slower. I get waves of nausea. Once I take it, I’m home for the day—no way would I feel comfortable driving. The side effects can be tough for sure, but I will take them over the bad migraine pain any day. I am always thankful I took it, even if I have to be confined to the couch for 4-6 hours."

• Jen...
• October 18, 2019

For Migraine "I almost always get migraines around my period or times of extreme stress. I was getting a migraine that began as nausea, hot flashes, dizziness, and weakness the entire day. That night the pain started, so I took 25 mg Imitrex. In 90 minutes, the pain was gone. I felt some pressure where the pain had been and couldn’t lay on that side. A week later, I feel another migraine come on, and I wasn’t sure it was a migraine until the nausea came. I took Imitrex again, and the pain went away after 2 hours, but then I got super drowsy and fell asleep and woke up an hour later shaky and anxious. I had not had a good night's sleep the day before, so those symptoms may be attributed to lack of sleep, but they went away after a few hours. I did try Imitrex in the middle of a migraine with nausea, blurry vision, severe pain, and it didn’t help. I was discouraged and did not take a second dose that time. I suggest taking Imitrex as soon as you feel pain."

• LoH...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 31, 2016

For Migraine "I have suffered from migraines for many years. Before I started using Imitrex (about 15 years ago), some migraines would affect me for days. I missed out on so much back then. Imitrex changed that. I normally can take one dose and get complete relief in an hour. The only side effect that I have ever suffered is sleepiness, but it's not so severe that I can't take Imitrex while working if a migraine strikes. This medication has been a lifesaver for me and changed my quality of life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 10, 2016

For Migraine "I suffered from migraines since I was 10 and am now 38. Mine are triggered by stress and monthly hormone fluctuations. I first tried Imitrex when I was 21, and it made me so dizzy I couldn't stand. Recently, I tried it again when I was having a migraine at work, and it was so bad I went to the emergency room, afraid I was having a stroke. I used to take OTC meds and isolate myself in a dark, quiet room. My migraines kept me from enjoying important events with my children. This drug has been life-changing. I have experienced some sleepiness as a side effect, but nothing that makes me non-functional."

• ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 12, 2017

For Migraine "I avoid taking Imitrex if I can because I experience so many side effects from it. I get jaw and shoulder pain/stiffness, pain in the back of my neck and scalp, headaches, drowsiness, and I just generally feel weird and awful after taking it. After 2 hours or so, my migraine goes away and the awful-ness of the Imitrex lessens, so that is why I do take it occasionally. Every time I take it, I'm reminded of how badly I need to find something else."

• Anonymous
• April 14, 2010

For Migraine "I'm 59 years old and have experienced migraines since age 5. Imitrex is the best drug I've used. I take 100 mg at the first sign, and it prevents it 80% of the time. If taken after the headache starts, it stops the pain within 1 hour and much faster if I lay down. Yes, there are mild side effects-drowsiness, sensitivity to hot and cold, but it sure is better than a headache."

• HRo...
• November 7, 2017

For Migraine "I have used Fiorinal for years and had no problems, however, my migraines have gotten worse over the last few months. I took a 100 mg Imitrex yesterday, and the side effects were terrible. My neck, head, throat, and shoulders all became tight and felt as though I was 'high,' per se. I finally had to go up to bed and calm myself. I slept for 5 hours and woke up feeling groggy. If I need to take it again, I will break it in half. It was a scary feeling. They only gave me 6 pills, thank goodness. I will stick with the Fiorinal and a cup of coffee."

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 21, 2016

For Migraine "My migraines are mild but can be long-lived, sometimes lasting 2-3 weeks with nausea and light sensitivity. I used to treat them with just OTC meds, but of course, as soon as they wore off, it came back. While pregnant, I was prescribed Fioricet, but the headache would still come back. Then I finally got Imitrex, and it makes the headache not come back! I do only take it at night just for the drowsiness, but no other side effects for me, and the headache is gone when I wake up!"

• Lea...
• September 5, 2016

For Migraine "I was diagnosed with severe migraines a little over a year and a half ago. I was prescribed Nortriptyline as an everyday medication and Imitrex as a 'needed emergency pain reliever.' The Nortriptyline doesn't always work, and since I am a teenager, I am still in school. If I get a migraine in school, I am supposed to take an Imitrex and go straight back to class. Unfortunately for me, the Imitrex makes me extremely drowsy and sometimes delirious, usually forcing me to go home and still live with the pain of migraines for at least another 12 hours, but it can still last for up to 3 days afterwards. Thankfully, the Nortriptyline works 95% of the time, but the Imitrex only works a good 75% of the time, and then I'm still put out of commission."

• Anonymous
• December 28, 2010

For Migraine "I use Imitrex at the start of my aura, which is usually 20 minutes long, and once the aura is gone, the headache hits me. I add a Vicodin pill with the Imitrex and usually lay down when and where I can. It seems to work for me. The only side effects I have are a stiff neck, upper back, and grogginess for a day or two. I keep Imitrex in my car, at work, the boat, and my golf bag."

• Anonymous
• May 6, 2010

For Migraine "This medicine works great for my migraine headaches. I experience drowsiness and a heaviness or tightness in my head and neck, but only minimally. My headaches are usually gone within an hour or two. Sometimes the drowsiness is nice because it helps me sleep through the pain. I would definitely recommend this product."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2015

For Migraine "Works well for my migraines. First couple of times taking it, caused my jaw to feel tight, and makes me pretty sleepy."

• cli...
• November 19, 2014

For Migraine "Works the best if you only take it once or twice a month. I've had problems with rebound headaches, even when I take this with sodium naproxen. It can also leave me feeling a bit groggy."

• Mig...
• March 7, 2021

For Migraine "Imitrex works for me sometimes, and sometimes it does not. But 100% of the time, it always makes me feel miserable; skin sensitivity, the room spinning, drowsy, and restless."