I, 19F, have been suffering from migraines for years. I just recently went to my doctor to do something about it because I’m a big girl now and he prescribed me sumatriptan to try out. I’ve taken it 3 times just to see if it’s a fluke from the other times I’ve taken it, but the only way I can describe the feeling it gives me is it makes my head feel like it’s going to explode. I have to know if anyone else feels this way after taking it, or if it’s just some weird side effect I feel from it because it’s the worst. It feels (the pressure) like when you go up to the mountains and you have to pop your ears, but only you can’t pop your ears. I always feel the pressure in my ears too. I have a follow up with my dr in a couple days but the pressure is the worst.
Sumatriptan can have weird side effects. I feel very out of sorts after I take it, and feel like a big dummy the rest of the day to be honest. There are lots of other migraine abortives you can try, sumatriptan does knock out my migraine pain so i'm happy to deal with the side effects for now.
I’m sorry that it hasn’t worked well for you.
I was first prescribed Maxalt, which did absolutely nothing for my migraines. I was then prescribed sumatriptan, and it’s been a lifesaver for me.
I hope during your follow up, your doctor can advise on a different medication to try and that you find some relief.
19 was the age I finally sought help as well. I’m now 40 and still suffer but they are way more under control after many trial and error preventatives, abortives and pain management. I’ve tried many triptans and their generic forms over the years. Rizatriptan seems to work best for me with no side effects besides slight drowsiness but not to the point where I can’t work. Feel free to message me if you want to chat about ideas to discuss with your doctor. Hang in there!
It’s not working for you, try getting a prescription for another triptan. Maxalt is generally better tolerated than Imitrex
I can't take it orally because it makes me nauseous and/or vomit. But I depend on subcutaneous sumitriptan injections and feel like I wouldn't survive without them.
It’s probably not the right medication for you. It works well for me but always makes me exhausted and it works best when I can sleep (or at least just rest and take it easy) afterward.
While my assumption is that it’s the medication itself, maybe it’s the form of medication you’re taking? Sumatriptan comes in 3 forms that I’m aware of - pill, injection, nasal spray. I started with the pill form and that worked well, now I have the nasal spray & injection forms which work better & faster. Regardless, I’d talk to your doctor as they could probably help you know whether to try a different form of the medicine or a different medicine altogether. Given your reaction I personally would guess that the doctor would want you to try a different medication but they may just see if another form of the same med makes a difference.
Either way, best of luck! Migraines suck and I hope you find a medication that works well for you.
It makes me feel like bricks are stacked on my chest and broken glass is coursing through my veins, and gives me ridiculous insomnia. It takes days for me to feel normal again. Absolutely nightmarish side effects, I will never touch it again.
Honestly this might be a good sign for you. I have only ever been able to tolerate Triptans, and nothing else. It makes preventatives a no-go. Maybe this means all the other drugs will work for you!
It makes me feel like I have restless legs. And I get really tense. I have a bunch but I only take it if I’m out of Nurtec. For me, ubrelvy has been the best and fastest acting. But I do like the Nurtec I’m on right now. It’s just like antidepressants - you have to find the perfect fit and sometimes the fit sucks at first.
Also my one neuro told me that they have to try certain drugs first before insurance will pay for the newer ones. Maybe that’s a thing for you too?
Yeah, I work in a pharmacy. A lot of insurances want patients to try the cheaper meds before going for brands like nurtec and ubrevly. It sucks. Hopefully I find something that helps lol.
Imitrex was a big no for me. Made the inside of my nostrils feel like they were on fire and even worse it made my throat feel like it was swelling shut.
Imitrex made me feel like my hands were on fire while washing my hands in cold water. My feet were feeling the same when I showered. This drug is now in my allergy list.
I use Relpax instead, it is a similar drug, but it doesn’t make my brain feel like my body is on fire I get the generic.
It doesn't suck, it's just not right for you. Unfortunately, that's just how the migraine journey is. You just have to try and try again until you find something that works for you. It's unfortunate, but that's just how it goes. What doesn't work for you may be the only thing that works for another person. Good luck to you and I hope that you do find what works!