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, since taking too much can lead to serious side effects.
What is Imitrex (sumatriptan) used for?
Imitrex (sumatriptan) is FDA approved to treat migraines and cluster headaches in adults. It is also used off-label to treat migraines in children and cyclic vomiting syndrome.
How far apart should you take Imitrex (sumatriptan)?
- Imitrex tablets: If your migraine did not get better within 2 hours after taking a dose, you may take a second dose at least 2 hours after the first dose. The maximum dose is 200 mg in a 24-hour period.
- Imitrex nasal spray: If your migraine did not get better within 2 hours after taking a dose, you may take a second dose at least 2 hours after the first dose. The maximum dose is 40 mg in a 24-hour period.
- Imitrex Statdose injection: If your headache or migraine has not fully responded to your first injection, you may use another injection at least 1 hour after the first. The maximum dose is 12 mg in a 24-hour period.
Dosing differences for special populations
Dosing for Imitrex (sumatriptan) can be different for older adults and those with liver impairment. For elderly patients, cautious dosing is recommended, often starting at the lower end of the dosing range. For patients with mild to moderate liver dysfunction, oral sumatriptan tablets should not exceed 50 mg per single dose, and severe liver dysfunction is a contraindication for its use.
If you are over 65 or have underlying health conditions, always consult your doctor before starting or adjusting sumatriptan dosing.
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Can I take Imitrex every day?
Imitrex is not meant to be taken every day. It should only be taken at the first sign of headache symptoms, and it should not be taken to prevent headaches or migraines. Taking Imitrex too often can lead to side effects, such as an increase in blood pressure, injection site reactions, nasal discomfort, and rebound headaches.
How many times can you use Imitrex in a month?
It isn’t known how safe it is to use Imitrex to treat more than 4 headaches per month on average. If you’re having more than 4 headaches or migraines per month, ask your doctor about the best treatment options.
Medication-overuse headache: what you need to know
Using migraine medications for 10 or more days per month can cause medication-overuse headaches (sometimes called rebound headaches). This means you could experience daily headaches or more frequent migraine attacks. Medications that may contribute to medication-overuse headaches include:
- Triptans, like Imitrex
- Ergotamine
- Opioids
- NSAIDs
Talk to your doctor about alternative treatments to prevent medication-overuse headaches. They can also recommend preventative options.
References
- Aleksenko D, Lui F, Sánchez-Manso JC. Medication Overuse Headache. [Updated 2025 Jan 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Accessed on September 11, 2025 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470171/
- Brar, Y., et. al. (2023). Sumatriptan. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed 06/20/2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470206/
- Imitrex injection [package insert]. (Revised 2023). GlaxoSmithKline LLC. Accessed 06/19/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fee7d073-0b99-48f2-7985-0d8cf970894b
- Imitrex nasal spray [package insert]. (Revised 2022). GlaxoSmithKline LLC. Accessed 06/19/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=cc11b09d-e6cc-4cf8-1495-5ac64d5aae5f
- Imitrex tablet [package insert]. (Revised 2024). GlaxoSmithKline LLC. Accessed 06/19/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=584abe73-8290-4484-ff8e-5890831c095e
- Fischer, M. A., et. al. (2023). Medication-Overuse Headache. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed 06/19/2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538150/
Read next
How long does Imitrex (sumatriptan) take to work?
Imitex (sumatriptan) can start to work within 10-30 minutes of taking a dose, depending on the formulation. However, it may take a few hours for you to notice the full effects.
Continue reading
Why does Imitrex (sumatriptan) make me feel weird?
Imitrex (sumatriptan) can cause a variety of side effects, which may make you feel weird after taking it. This could be related to how Imitrex affects blood vessels and nerves.
Continue reading
Can Imitrex (sumatriptan) cause rebound headaches?
Yes, Imitrex (sumatriptan) can cause rebound headaches (also known as medication-overuse headaches). Rebound headaches are more likely to occur if you take Imitrex alone or a combination of Imitrex and other headache medications (e.g., opioids, analgesics) for 10 or more days per month. Continue reading
See also:
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