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The following information provides essential safety warnings and contraindications for the use of sumatriptan (Imitrex). Please read these details carefully and consult your healthcare provider for any concerns or questions.

• Cardiovascular Risks: There have been reports of serious heart issues, such as heart attacks and arrhythmias, occurring shortly after taking sumatriptan. It may also elevate blood pressure, sometimes to dangerous levels. Individuals with a history of heart problems, those over the age of 65, and those with risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, or a family history of heart disease should consult their healthcare provider prior to use. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe headache, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat.

• Stroke and Brain Injury: There is a potential risk of strokes or cerebral bleeding in users of triptans like sumatriptan. Symptoms such as sudden weakness, severe headache, facial drooping, breathing difficulties, or changes in speech or vision require urgent medical evaluation, especially if you have not been previously diagnosed with migraines. Individuals with a history of strokes should avoid using this medication.

• Vascular Constriction: Sumatriptan can cause significant narrowing of blood vessels, leading to severe gastrointestinal issues, vision changes, and sensory alterations in the extremities. If you observe symptoms like stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, or color changes in your hands and feet, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

• Serotonin Syndrome: Use of sumatriptan with other serotonin-increasing medications may lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. This risk is higher when combined with certain antidepressants, mental health drugs, pain medications, and other migraine treatments.

• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are possible. Symptoms such as dizziness, breathing difficulties, facial swelling, or a choking sensation require immediate medical attention.

• Seizures: There is a risk of seizures, even in individuals without a prior history. Seek emergency help if you experience a seizure while using sumatriptan.

Contraindications indicate situations where sumatriptan should not be used due to serious health risks:

• Existing coronary artery disease
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• History of stroke or transient ischemic attack
• History of hemiplegic or basilar migraines
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Ischemic bowel disease
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Recent use of ergot-containing medications or other triptans within 24 hours
• Current or recent (within 14 days) use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Severe liver impairment

If any of these conditions apply to you, consult your healthcare provider before taking sumatriptan (Imitrex).

When taking this medication, some individuals may experience common side effects such as flushing, tingling, numbness, or feelings of warmth or cold in the extremities. Fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, and dizziness are also possible but generally mild. These symptoms usually do not require medical intervention unless they persist or worsen.

More serious side effects, though rare, warrant immediate medical attention. Be alert to symptoms resembling a heart attack, such as chest, jaw, or neck tightness, pain, or pressure, as well as shortness of breath and unusual sweating. This medication can also lead to elevated blood pressure, so monitoring is advised. Severe effects like heart problems, strokes, and serotonin syndrome, characterized by a rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, and severe nausea, require urgent care.

Allergic reactions are uncommon but can be severe, presenting as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing. Additionally, there is a risk of blood vessel narrowing which might cause bloody diarrhea, severe stomach pain, or even partial blindness. If you experience any severe or unusual symptoms, seek medical help promptly. While these side effects are not exhaustive, they provide a broad overview of potential reactions to this medication. Always communicate any concerns or additional symptoms with your healthcare provider.

When using Sumatriptan (Imitrex), it's important to be aware of potential interactions with other medications. Avoid using MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid, linezolid, and tranylcypromine with Sumatriptan, as this can lead to a dangerous, potentially fatal reaction. You should not take these inhibitors during treatment, and most should be avoided for two weeks before starting Sumatriptan. Always consult your doctor about when to begin or stop these medications.

Additionally, there is an increased risk of serotonin syndrome if you're taking other drugs that boost serotonin levels. This includes certain antidepressants such as SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine) and SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine), as well as street drugs like MDMA or supplements like St. John's Wort. The risk is higher when starting or increasing the dose of these medications.

If you're taking ergotamine medications or "triptan" drugs such as zolmitriptan or rizatriptan, it's crucial to separate your doses from Sumatriptan to minimize severe side effects. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the appropriate timing between doses.

Furthermore, inform your doctor and pharmacist of all other medications and supplements you are using, as not all potential interactions are listed here. Some medications, including almotriptan and dihydroergotamine, should not be used with Sumatriptan, while others may require dose adjustments. Always seek guidance from your healthcare provider to ensure safe use of your medications.