Posted by Dave W (12.10.85.65) on August 26, 1999 at 17:01:48:
In Reply to: Imatrex spray vs. injection, O2 inhalation, inderal, emerge posted by Danny on August 26, 1999 at 16:15:51:
Danny,
I've used both and they have always worked for me. Injection in about 5 minutes, spray in 8-10 minutes.
During a series of posts a few weeks back, I took my doc to lunch and also talked with the local Glaxo rep. They both agreed that the nasal spray is more "iffy" than the injection, for a variety of reasons.
First, the spray medicine is meant to be absorbed through the nasal membranes where all the little blodd vessels are. If you snort too hard, you bypass all that and the medicine goes down your throat. In addition to tasting yukky, it takes a long time to get into your system.
Second, if you are congested or have had a history of nasal trauma you may have a much slower time absorbing it in this manner.
Third, some people just simply don't absorb things through the membranes readily. We're all different I guess.
Anyhow, I've been very successful by blowing my nose first, squirting it in with my head erect, and then inhaling just enough to keep it from dripping back out. I keep this up for about one minute, and then relax. I still get the bad taste in a couple of minutes, but the headache goes away very shortly and the taste no longer bothers me!!
I prefer the sprays primarily because of cost, but I also don't like being stuck even a little bit.
Good luck and pain free days!!
Dave