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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> weird imitrex experience
        
(Message started by: maggie_may on Aug 19^th, 2003, 8:55am)

Title: weird imitrex experience
Post by maggie_may on Aug 19^th, 2003, 8:55am

Unfortunately, I think the beast is preparing to cycle again >:( Last night, before the pain got bad enough, I decided I'd do an Imitrex shot. I typically split the injection in half and shoot it into my side around my waist. I've never had a feeling like this before -

The pain in my right eye went away, but then the top of my head had lots of pressure and of course the tingling, burning that some people feel. But the pressure was different. This feeling lasted a long time - I can't really recall since I was about to pass out from exaustion. My shoulders and into the top part of my chest started to feel very sore and heavy. It kinda freaked me out because this feeliing never happened before, and I didn't know what was going on. I was starting to wonder about the weird side-effects that Imitrex causes but couldn't remember any.

Anyone have this experience before? Is it something that I should talk to my neuro about?

Any suggestions or ideas would help alot!

thanks much
maggie

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by Hound_Dogg on Aug 19^th, 2003, 9:55am

I get that experience from Imitrex, all the time. Very heavy feeling in chest, sweating, and general feeling of doom. All classic Heart Attack symptoms.

Got to the point where I don't like taking it anymore.

Talk to your doctor....SOON. You should go through tests to make sure all is well.

Jim

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by Bob_Bogart on Aug 20^th, 2003, 9:27am

I would definitely tell your Dr. about it before taking it again. This is a very potent medicine with serious potential cardivacular side effects.

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by ksmiggy on Aug 20^th, 2003, 11:35am

Hi maggie,
I get the same from immigran injection(i assume it is same), how often do you use the immitrex?, I never used to have a problem with it, more i use it worse it gets, does it take longer to work now too, def go to your gp, I was advised to limit my use of injections to emergency only,(last resort). Cannot stress enough, the need for caution, although many on here have no prob with immitrex(immigran), i was warned that it is a serious drug, side effects not to be ignored etc, get it checked out, may be another reason for feelings, Unlikely, but you can always hope, good luck

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by kbbogo1 on Aug 21^st, 2003, 8:40am

This happened to me the first time I took a shot - the whole shot. I, too, thought I was going to pass out, my neck/chest felt so tight. Now I just take 1/3 to 1/2 depending on the pain. Also, I only use it as a last resort (when the pain is very bad or when I get a ch around people who may not appreciate want we go through). With less injection, my side affects are not nearly as bad - just a little tightness/warmth. You may want to get checked out, though - better to be safe than sorry.

Kim B

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by maggie_may on Aug 21^st, 2003, 9:57am

Thanks to everyone who replied. I never do a whole shot, and this one amounted to about half. So, I'm definitely not going to take any more until I see my neuro again - it was too freaky of an experience.

ksmiggy - at the beginning of my cycle last October, I was using the nasal sprays with no problems - only that it wasn't working anywhere near as fast enough. When I saw him in March, I caved in and tried the shots, but my cycle was ending. I've used them a few times - I think this was my 4th shot ever, even though I haven't taken any since the end of March.

thanks again,
maggie

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by ksmiggy on Aug 21^st, 2003, 9:10pm

not sure if half would work for me, i have avaraged about 1 shot a week for the last 6-7 yrs :-/ only recently started to cut down

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by iJun G4 on Aug 22^nd, 2003, 10:16am

I've had multiple experiences (3-4 times in the past) that I suspect are bad reactions to Imitrex, which were probably in fact, at least minor heart attacks.

In all cases, I used Imitrex nasal spray. Generally, I don't have side-effects using spray compared to injections.

In all cases of bad reactions, the following were also common:
1. The Imitrex did not help to abort the CH.
2. The attack was very strong.
3. I was doing something else while taking the spray, like driving, watching a movie (Matrix Reloaded) at a theater, etc.

I was not taking particularly high levels of Imitrex in the preceding hours/days when this happened.

In my worst reaction, I felt very heavy chest/torso, tingling/numbing of fingers, almost blacking out, difficult to move arms, cold sweat/sense of panic, loss of balance, nausea.

I haven't told this to docs since they will prohibit me from using Imitrex. As many of you might agree, I would rather die from a heart attack than not having Imitrex ready.

Besides, I don't know if it was really a heart attack or really Imitrex that did it. The worst part was that the CH was full-blown while all of this was happening.

In hindsight, a heart attack (if that's what it was) is relatively tolerable compared to the pain of a max CH!

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by Smurf on Aug 22^nd, 2003, 12:35pm

HI,
Back in 1995, I was on Imitrex shots. I still remember one episode where my lungs felt like they were on fire, absolutely burning. I really felt like I was having a heart attack with the numbing of the left arm, etc. (maybe I was).

I have a heart murmur and bad hearts run in my family. I had read the leaflet that comes with the Rx and it said that in one case, a woman did die after taking a shot. If you get that burning feeling, etc. STOP taking it. Call you dr. ASAP and let them know about the reaction. I was on Stadol for a while, which works for the CH, but leaves you buzzed and the docs. only want to give you a wee little bottle once/mo. max.

Now I take Imitrex pills. 50 mg. cut in half. I went to the doc. yesterday and he gave me a bunch of 100 mg. I felt a CH coming in last night, so I cut one of the 100 mg. in 1/2 - got rid of the CH, but really upset my tummy!
I'll be cutting the 100 mg. in quarters (with a really sharp knife).

But, see a doc. Those reactions you're having are not good.

P.S. I agree, if I was having a heart attack, didn't hurt near as much as a CH.

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by Patrick_A on Aug 22^nd, 2003, 11:56pm

I dont like the injectors myself. So, i do basically what Smurf said. I also have had these for 28 years and i am about 90% right when i feel one starting to work on me. I never miss on the Not having 1 side, just every now and then i will miss thinking i am not actually having one and am! I have found if i catch it with a quarter of a pill very early on, before it gets up to that intolerable level, 20 minutes has gone by. I find that the Pills work for me in about 30 minutes! Now i have a huge stash of Inhalers so i dont worry as much about the pills!
Here is some good advice if you are episodic, I cant speak for Chronics, its different! If you are episodic, Keep getting those prescriptions filled even after your CH's have gone away, because when you are in the middle of the Cycle, You will have enough to make it!

Patrick

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by UnsolvedEquation on Aug 28^th, 2003, 1:53am

Don't worry about the side effects ... " IT'S JUST YOUR HEART GETTING SQUEEZED !! " :o :o :o :o :o
Seriously though ... if the side effects are severe ... try cutting down on the dose a little bit more and be sure to tell your doc about the side effects.

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by neetnut on Sep 1^st, 2003, 4:51pm

I noticed some of you saying you only take half the shot. How do you know when you are using a certain amount with the injections?
I would love to try to only use half my injections, but I am uncertain as how to do this.
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by BillyJ. on Sep 2^nd, 2003, 6:49pm

Neetnut- http://www.clusterheadaches.com/imitrex.html

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by neetnut on Sep 2^nd, 2003, 7:14pm

:)
Thanks, although trying to inject myself is out of the question :(. I have never been one to cause myself pain, although allowing others to stab me with the needle seems to be of no trouble, I will print out these details and keep them on hand. I would love to save on my injections and make them last longer.

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by Eb on Sep 4^th, 2003, 5:32am

I've been taking Imitrex injections for about five months now, and besides the first time taking it, which felt really different, the only other "weird" experience I've had was when I took an injection while my shoulders, back, and neck were sunburned.

Don't know if anyone else has ever experienced this, but I felt like all the "sunburned" areas were on fire! It took about 10 minutes for that feeling to subside....

Eb

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by Alora on Sep 5^th, 2003, 11:01am

I used Imitrex spray with no problems (except that NASTY taste!), response time was ok. I used Imitrex injection for the 1st time 3 days ago. I couldn't believe the instant relief but had the feeling that someone was sitting on my chest all the next day. It is scary to have any reactions to meds. I am typically in good health so figured I can cope with the side effect.

Title: Re: weird imitrex experience
Post by Orion on Sep 5^th, 2003, 1:05pm

I've always used Migranol (DHE spray or shots), but I was worried about the side effects or long term effects on my arteries. I am now in possession of Imitrex vials to do my own shots (not the inector pac). I'll let you know how the Imitrex goes (or maybe I'll be lucky and my cycle will end today :P)