Generic medication costs less than a brand name. Sumatriptan is available for cheaper than the brand name Imitrex; however, many prefer to use the brand name version. People will consume this prescription through oral tablet form, nasal spray, or an injectable solution. This medication is used to treat intense headaches such as migraines. Doctors tend to pair the drug with other medicines or use combination therapy. Although the drug seems harmless, can sumatriptan be addictive?
Can You Get High Off Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is classified as a serotonin-1 receptor agonist. When a person undergoes a migraine, the blood vessels in the brain expand and exert a chemical in the brain, causing inflammation. Since migraines are painful and uncomfortable, relieving the stress that follows a throbbing headache as soon as possible is understandable.
Can sumatriptan be addictive? The drug is not reported as a habit-forming narcotic, but like most drugs, a person can misuse the substance. If a person wants to feel a “high” sensation, then taking the drug when a migraine is not present may result in dizziness or a loopy feeling in the brain. The drug is a pain reliever, and thus the effects are powerful.
According to a study on the psychoactivity and abuse potential of sumatriptan, the drug did not produce an increase in euphoria scores, and there were no clinically vital effects on heart rate, pupil size, or blood pressure.1 Overall, the study determined that sumatriptan has low abuse potential and does not result in any intense feelings of being high, nor is the substance quick to cause physical dependence.
How Long Does It Take for Imitrex to Work?
After the first use, the drug usually begins to activate within two hours. Depending on how the drug is consumed, for instance, if it’s injected, then results may begin within five to twenty minutes. Before taking Imitrex, it’s essential to speak to your doctor about underlying health conditions or if you are currently using another medication. There is a limit to how many times a person can take this substance per month. If you or a loved one is taking the drug frequently or increasing your dose without medical supervision, then a prescription pill addiction program is highly recommended.
What Are the Side Effects of Sumatriptan?
Forming a sumatriptan addiction may not be as common as these side effects. The most common effects include feeling warm or cold, a prickly sensation in the skin, tension in the neck, or feeling fatigued. Here are some of sumatriptan’s adverse effects:
- Shaking
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Loss of balance
- Intense chest pain
- Excessive sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
How Long Do Sumatriptan Side Effects last?
A regular dose may take up to ten hours to be cleared out of the body's system. Reports indicate that, depending on the person and dose, side effects may last hours, or relief from the migraine may only last thirty minutes. A person should seek medical assistance if experiencing these symptoms or if side effects worsen over time.
Recovery at Our Banyan Drug Rehab
At Banyan Treatment Centers locations, our team of experts prides itself on maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients to express themselves and get the support they need to reach recovery. We offer unique programs like pet therapy and a relapse prevention program. If you or a loved one is struggling, receiving a prescription pill detox may be what you need to begin the recovery process.
Speak to a specialist at Banyan today by calling 888-280-4763 and asking about our residential treatment program to get started on the road to recovery!
Source:
Related Readings:
