Posted by Dave W (12.10.85.65) on July 30, 1999 at 14:56:30:
Dear Group,
I've been noticing posts for some time now that indicate some of you experience a very long delay when using Imitex Nasal Spray. I was very curious about this, since I have never had it take longer than about 10 minutes to completely kill off a CH of any level. In fact it's usually almost exactly 8 minutes (yes, I watch the clock).
So today at lunch I brought it up with my doc and I also talked with our local Glaxo rep on the phone. Here's what they said:
1. Administration of the spray can be iffy. Speed is dependent upon absorbing the medicine through the nasal membranes only. If you sniff too hard when you squirt the medicine in, most (or all) of it sails right on past the nose, drips down the throat, and works no faster than a pill and probably less effectively. The goal is to wet the nasal membranes and keep it there. I breathe very gently, just enough to keep it from dripping back out, for at least one minute. Again, this works for me! I hate shots.
2. Some people have permeability problems with their nasal membranes, especially if they've had surgery, trauma, or even just a bad run of rhinitis. This can slow or reduce the effectiveness of the spray.
3. Not everyone responds to Imitrex the same way (some don't respond at all). Thus, even though you may use it correctly and the medicine gets there, you might respond slowly to it.
The reason I'm typing all this? For me, this form of the drug is a God-send. It's just as fast, half the cost, and lots more convenient than injections for me. It won't be that way for all of you, but I would hate to think someone didn't try it because they thought it might be slow.
End of pitch!
Pain Free Days for All of Us!
Dave