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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> New Here - Imitrex Question
        
(Message started by: kmm on Nov 13^th, 2006, 11:05am)

Title: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by kmm on Nov 13^th, 2006, 11:05am

I'm new here, first post. I've had CH for 20 years, finally diagnosed about 7 years ago, after my (then) doctor told me "migraines aren't a big deal, women get them all the time. Here's some Percocet." After he repeatedly refused my requests for a referral to a neurologist and my threats to report him for not treating me properly, I finally went to a neurologist, who diagnosed me with CH. I'm episodic, typically every fall season, usually a 8-10 week cluster, and in recent years, many more a day than before. I found this place a few weeks back, and have been lurking during this recent cycle, feeling a little better that others can actually relate to what I go through.

I'm about 6 weeks into a cycle now, and had a few bad ones. I've used oxygen (prescribed by my general practitioner after some research on my end) for 2 years now as an abortive, which seems to work about 90% of the time for me if I catch it early enough. I had a bad one last week, KIP 10, and ended up in the ER. I'm heading to a new neurologist next week, so maybe I'll try a preventative, which I have been reluctant to do, since my last experiences from a few years back didn't seem to help.

Here's my question. Had a bad Imitrex experience today. In years past I tried the Imitrex tablets, then the nasal spray, but didn't seem real effective. This time I have the injections. Had a bad one coming on today and oxygen wasn't working well, so I tried the injection. Within 30 seconds, my fingers went numb, I became extremely lightheaded, turned white as a ghost, broke out into a profuse sweat where I soaked through my shirt, and felt extremely nauseated. I'm at work, and my secretary wanted to send me to the ER, but I waited it out, and after about 10 minutes I was okay. I'm still feeling a little short of breath with a dry throat, but I remember feeling that way from the nasal spray when I used it years ago. Can anyone tell me if they've felt this before with the Imitrex injections? I don't think I'll try them again until I talk with my doctor. It doesn't seem normal, and I'd like to know if others have heard of any similar reactions. Any help would be appreciated.

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by vig on Nov 13^th, 2006, 11:13am

it's very strong stuff.
many of us have found that 1/2 or 1/3 of a dose is just as effective and it doesn't cause nearly as muCH of the side effects as the full dose....
look on the left side of this window for the 'imitrex tip'

good luck

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by LeLimey on Nov 13^th, 2006, 11:15am

Hello, I'm glad you found us! I'm sure we'll be able to help you again too but for now lets just deal with this question..

Can I ask where you jabbed yourself? Arm, thigh, stomach?

Helen

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by kmm on Nov 13^th, 2006, 11:27am

Thanks for the prompt reply. I stuck myself in the thigh. Figured that would be the least painful method.

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by seasonalboomer on Nov 13^th, 2006, 11:31am

that's a pretty strong reaction. i haven't personally had any experience like that with the injections but many people are quite intolerant of the side effects - so don't feel alone.

Scott

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by LeLimey on Nov 13^th, 2006, 11:37am

thanks for that kmm, you should never inject above the waist with imitrex that was why I wanted to check.

You did have a strong reaction and it could be the full dose effect as Vig said but you might want to consider Zomig nasal sprays instead. They work in about ten minutes but the nice part is the half life is much longer than Imi so you should be having hits blocked for up to 12 hours instead of the 2 hours Imi lasts for!

I would strongly recommend you discuss your reaction with your doctor. The injections are the most potent form of triptan delivery and most of us feel some side effects ranging fron a slight rush to

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by LeLimey on Nov 13^th, 2006, 11:38am

quite unpleasant (which is how it affects me

Sorry I hit post before I was ready there!

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by UN-solved on Nov 13^th, 2006, 2:11pm

on 11/13/06 at 11:37:28, LeLimey wrote:

you should never inject above the waist with imitrex that was why I wanted to check.

Why not ? I've never heard any doctors / nurses (or anyone else) tell me that. I've been shooting Imitrex injections in my upper left arm for years now. Literally thousands of them ... NO BAD EFFECTS, and it works everytime. There's no reason why you can't shoot it in your arm if you wanted to.

UNsolved

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by LeLimey on Nov 13^th, 2006, 2:19pm

That's what it says on the leaflets we have in the packs here Unsolved.

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by UN-solved on Nov 13^th, 2006, 2:32pm

You're not supposed to use more than 12mg a day too ! ;;D

UNsolved

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by LeLimey on Nov 13^th, 2006, 2:39pm

Very true unsolved! hence the imitrex tip on the left! ;)

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by nani on Nov 13^th, 2006, 2:48pm

Hi kmm. How is your blood pressure normally?
Do you have any pre-existing heart or vascular issues? (besides CH) Imitrex is a powerful vaso-constrictor, so those conditions and triptans could spell trouble. Talk to your dr or pharmacist about it. If these things aren't problems, then do take advantage ot the Imitrex tip...it could save you money, too.
pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by Giovanni on Nov 13^th, 2006, 2:57pm

Quote:

You did have a strong reaction and it could be the full dose effect as Vig said but you might want to consider Zomig nasal sprays instead. They work in about ten minutes but the nice part is the half life is much longer than Imi so you should be having hits blocked for up to 12 hours instead of the 2 hours Imi lasts for!

I agree on the Zomig for the better of the two. I do not believe I would take another imitrex injection until you talk to your doc. I have taken hundreds over the years and not had a reaction as you described.

I did, however, have a reaction exactly as you described when I mixed imitrex with another triptan within hours of each other. What else were you taking?

John

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by kmm on Nov 13^th, 2006, 6:01pm

Thanks for all of the info. I do not have any heart or vascular issues (at least none that I am aware of), and my blood pressure is normal. I am not taking anything else, other than oxygen, although I did have a Red Bull about an hour before that.

In any event, I'm not planning on using the Imitrex again, at least until I see a neurologist (scheduled for next week).

Thanks again for the comments. :o

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by chewy on Nov 13^th, 2006, 6:32pm

Quote:

thanks for that kmm, you should never inject above the waist with imitrex that was why I wanted to check.

WHAT ???

Since when? I have used my left bisep for years with no adverse reaction.

The Stat Dose insert has two pictures of how to inject in the arm.

The vial insert says nothiong about injection location.

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by stacy3675 on Nov 13^th, 2006, 7:43pm

Information for Patients: With the autoinjector, the needle penetrates approximately 1/4 of an inch (5 to 6 mm). Since the injection is intended to be given subcutaneously, intramuscular or intravascular delivery should be avoided. Patients should be directed to use injection sites with an adequate skin and subcutaneous thickness to accommodate the length of the needle.

OVERDOSAGE
Patients (N = 269) have received single injections of 8 to 12 mg without significant adverse effects. Volunteers (N = 47) have received single subcutaneous doses of up to 16 mg without serious adverse events.
No gross overdoses in clinical practice have been reported.

So really that 12mg is ok, I am not over the clinic trial of 16mg now this is just for me.

On here it alo says stuff about heartrate and bloodpressure#4. How to Use IMITREX Injection:
Before injecting IMITREX, check with your doctor on acceptable injection sites.

but never says you cn't use arms or stomache.

us.gsk.com then I put imitrex injection.

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by UN-solved on Nov 13^th, 2006, 8:19pm

I just believe that you got too big of a dose ... especially for the first time. I wouldn't recommend that anyone start off with a 6mg injection. Next time just do 2mg and I bet all them side effects do not appear....and hopefully it'll work like magic quickly.

UNsolved

BTW ... There IS a pic of how to inject into the arm in the medical instruction thingy !!

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by chopmyheadoff on Nov 14^th, 2006, 5:16am

im with helen on this one - iv found that injecting in the arm gives far quicker and more severe "burning rush" round my neck and shoulders than i get if i use the thigh.

iv always assumed that a certain amount of "local vasoconstriction" would occur around the injection site and therefore as far away from the heart as possible would be best.
ill check the leaflet

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by drivin_blind on Nov 14^th, 2006, 9:17am

My Dr. (a G.P.) is also a personal friend. When Imitrex first came out he had some samples and told me to try them. I had nothing to lose as nothing else seemed to work after being hit. I would get a really weird flushed feeling and the tingling you spoke of. But, I also got a feeling of someone trying to strangle me. Felt as though someone actually had their hands around my throat. This feeling only lasted about fifteen seconds, but scared the bejesus out of me. Used the Imitrex about 8-10 times and had the same reaction each time. (over a period of probably a year) Dick

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by UN-solved on Nov 14^th, 2006, 9:37am

on 11/14/06 at 05:16:56, chopmyheadoff wrote:

severe "burning rush" round my neck and shoulders

That's the Imitrex 'squeezing your heart' according to more than 1 doctor @ MHNI including Dr. Rozen. The dosage should be decreased or the injection should be farther away from the heart. After prolonged use of Imitrex, this 'burning' sensation may get worse, even with smaller doses. Doctors predict that patients that experience this 'burning' sensation will sooner or later have their Imitrex taken away.

UNsolved

for those of you who only get relief from Imitrex injections, I wouldn't push the 'burning' sensations too much on your doc or you may just lose your Imitrex all together.

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by chopmyheadoff on Nov 14^th, 2006, 9:50am

hence it being better to stab in the thigh as my lernerd friend Helen said in the first place :P

Title: Re: New Here - Imitrex Question
Post by Carl_D on Nov 19^th, 2006, 8:40am

This is the first I've heard that you shouldn't inject above the waist.

Upper left arm has been my pincushion for 3 years.

Peace,
Carl D