How long does Imitrex (sumatriptan) take to work?
Imitex (sumatriptan) is available in tablet, nasal spray, and injectable forms, with each formulation offering distinct onset times. For oral tablets, relief typically begins within 30 to 60 minutes, while the nasal spray can work within about 15 minutes, and injections provide relief as quickly as 10 to 15 minutes.
Several factors affect how quickly Imitrex (sumatriptan) provides migraine relief. Taking the medication at the first sign of symptoms usually results in the fastest improvement. It can take a few hours to notice the full effects of Imitrex. In clinical studies, more people had a response 4 hours after taking a dose of Imitrex compared to 2 hours.
Imitrex Onset Time Comparison
| Formulation | Onset of Relief |
|---|---|
| Tablet | 30–60 minutes |
| Nasal Spray | ~15 minutes |
| Injection | 10–15 minutes |
What If I Don't Get Relief?
If a single dose does not completely relieve migraine symptoms, you can take a second dose as long as you have had a response to the first dose and it has been at least 2 hours (for the tablets or nasal spray) or 1 hour (for the injection) since taking it. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
The maximum recommended daily dose of Imitrex tablets is 200 mg in a 24 hour period.
This is not all the information you need to know about Imitrex for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full patient medication guide and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- National Health Service. (2022, December 8). How and when to take or use sumatriptan. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sumatriptan/how-and-when-to-take-or-use-sumatriptan/
- Sumatriptan. Revised 12/2023. Bionpharma Inc. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e90b0eea-c424-4f00-98da-6ed6e80de1f6
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How often can you take Imitrex (sumatriptan)?
How often you can take Imitrex (sumatriptan) depends on which form you are taking. Imitrex comes as a tablet, nasal spray, and injection. Each form of Imitrex has its own specific dosing recommendations. Do not take more Imitrex than what’s prescribed to you.
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Ubrelvy vs Imitrex (sumatriptan): How do they compare?
Ubrelvy and Imitrex are both oral tablets used to treat migraine, but there are differences in the way they work. Ubrelvy prevents a protein called CGRP thought to play a role in migraine attacks from binding to its receptor and Imitrex is thought to bind to serotonin 5‑HT1B/1D receptors, and inhibit pro-inflammatory substances Although no head-to-head comparison trials compare Ubrelvy to Imitrex, indirect evidence suggests that overall, Ubrelvy is no more effective, and may be inferior to Imitrex at relieving migraine in adults who are able to tolerate triptans. For those adults with moderate-to-severe migraine attacks that cannot tolerate triptans or who have found them ineffective, Ubrelvy is beneficial for treating migraines compared to no treatment. Ubrelvy is associated with fewer side effects than Imitrex, but is more expensive, costing almost twice as much. Continue reading
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