Posted by Yuko on October 10, 1998 at 18:54:33:
In Reply to: please help posted by chris karper on October 10, 1998 at 07:55:12:
Hi, Chris. I do sometimes take more than 2 injections a day, but I do not take a full shot at a time now. Daily limited dosage is 2 injections, at least an hour apart. I don't think much study has been done with this drug. When my body was tolerating a full injection, I used 3-4 shots a day on occasions (a few hours apart) with no problems. However, as we all know, Imitrex is a powerful vasoconstrictor, so we shouldn't take more than manufactuerer's recommendation, and I don't believe any doctor would approve more than 2 shots a day, for liability reasons. We don't want the risk of cardiac arrest!
As far as pill/shot combination, the only thing I personally do is that I take a 50mg pill 30 min. before an un-avoidable trigger (such as bathing in my case). Sometimes I end up with a CH after taking a bath anyway, which I don't know whether the pill didn't work or I'm having a rebound headache. Then I don't mess with pills but give myself an injection. To me, pills and nasal sprays only frustrate me to stop the CH already started.
I'd keep a close eye on the injection site. If the swelling doesn't go away in a few hours or you end up with a fever, see your doctor! I try to find the "right" spot on my thigh, but sometimes I end up with a bruise or bleeding. When I'm not desperate (!), I try to cleanse the skin real well...first with Betadine and then alcohol. Often times just with some alcohol pads...I don't want to be too paranoid about my own germs, but it doesn't hurt to really clean the skin.
Sorry I'm not much of help! When the pain is bad enough to wake me up, I really don't think pills are the answer though.