Imitrex® Nasal Spray for Acute Migraine Relief

What Imitrex® Is and How It Works

Imitrex Nasal Spray contains sumatriptan, a selective 5‑HT1B/1D receptor agonist in the triptan class. It treats acute migraine attacks with or without aura. It is not a preventive medicine and is used as needed. If you are comparing costs without insurance, Canadian pricing can lower your Imitrex Nasal Spray cost.

The nasal spray comes as single-use devices, commonly 5 mg and 20 mg strengths. You administer one spray into one nostril at the start of a migraine. The nasal route is useful when nausea or vomiting makes tablets hard to take.

Sumatriptan works by narrowing dilated cranial blood vessels and reducing inflammatory neuropeptide release. This helps relieve head pain, light and sound sensitivity, and nausea that often accompany migraines.

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Dosage and Usage

• Use at the first sign of a migraine. Do not use to prevent attacks.
• Typical adult dose: 20 mg (one spray) into one nostril. Some patients use 5 mg or 10 mg based on response and tolerability.
• If symptoms improve and then return, you may take a second dose at least 2 hours after the first.
• Do not exceed 40 mg by nasal spray in 24 hours.
• If the first dose does not help at all, do not take a second dose for the same attack without medical advice.
• Do not use within 24 hours of another triptan or any ergot-type migraine medicine.

How to use Imitrex Nasal Spray

• Blow your nose gently before use; wash and dry your hands.
• Sit upright. Do not prime the device. Keep your head straight.
• Hold the spray as directed, with your fingers on the grips and your thumb on the plunger.
• Close one nostril with a finger. Insert the tip into the other nostril, about 1 cm.
• Breathe in gently through your nose and press the plunger firmly once.
• Keep your head upright for 10–20 seconds. Do not sniff hard.
• Do not blow your nose for 10–15 minutes after dosing.
• Each device is single-use. Dispose of it safely after one spray, even if not empty.

Missed dose guidance

• Imitrex Nasal Spray is used as needed for an attack, not on a schedule.
• If symptoms return, a second dose may be taken after 2 hours, if appropriate.

Storage and travel

• Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable.
• Keep in the original packaging, away from moisture and light.
• Do not freeze. Do not use if the device is damaged.
• For travel, keep the box in your carry-on. Avoid heat in parked cars.
• Carry enough devices for your trip. Pack an extra in a separate bag.

Benefits and Savings

Many people feel relief within 10–15 minutes after using the 20 mg spray, with broader improvement by 1–2 hours. The nasal route avoids swallowing pills during nausea and may be faster than tablets for some users. It can also help when you wake with a migraine already in progress.

Ordering through our online pharmacy offers access to brand and generic options at Canadian prices. Typical savings run 60–80% compared with many US retail prices. If you pay without insurance, a multi-month supply may reduce your per-month Imitrex Nasal Spray price.

Ask about generic Imitrex Nasal Spray if you want the lowest cash price. Bulk Imitrex Nasal Spray purchases, when appropriate for your prescription, can also lower out-of-pocket costs.

For current promotions, see our Imitrex Nasal Spray coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Unusual or bad taste
• Nasal discomfort, congestion, or throat irritation
• Dizziness, fatigue, or drowsiness
• Flushing, warmth, tingling, or tightness sensations
• Nausea or dry mouth
• Temporary blood pressure increase

Serious effects are uncommon but can include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, severe abdominal pain, seizures, stroke-like symptoms, or severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, wheezing). Do not use with uncontrolled hypertension, ischemic heart disease, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, peripheral vascular disease, severe liver impairment, or hemiplegic/basilar migraine. Do not use within 14 days of an MAO-A inhibitor. Risk of serotonin syndrome increases with SSRIs/SNRIs; seek urgent help if you have agitation, sweating, fast heartbeat, or confusion.

Onset Time

On average, the 20 mg spray starts to help in 10–15 minutes for many people. Peak relief is usually reached within 1–2 hours. Some attacks recur after initial response; a second dose may be used after 2 hours if allowed for you. If your migraine does not respond on several occasions, discuss alternatives or dose adjustments with your prescriber.

Compare With Alternatives

Another nasal triptan is zolmitriptan. It also offers fast relief without swallowing pills and comes in different strengths. You can compare features and dosing by reviewing Zomig® Nasal Spray.

If you prefer an oral option for flexible dosing, your prescriber may recommend tablets. Sumatriptan tablets can be suitable when nausea is mild. See our listing for Imitrex® Df to explore tablet strengths and formats.

Some patients also consider another zolmitriptan oral option that dissolves on the tongue for convenience. Discuss whether a rapidly dissolving tablet is appropriate for your pattern of attacks and nausea control.

Combination Therapy

• Triptan plus NSAID: pairing sumatriptan with naproxen may improve pain relief for some attacks.
• Triptan plus antiemetic: a medicine such as metoclopramide or prochlorperazine can help nausea and enhance absorption of oral therapies.
• Avoid combining two triptans or a triptan with any ergot derivative within 24 hours.
• Review all antidepressants and migraine preventives with your clinician to minimize serotonin syndrome risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Imitrex Nasal Spray is intended for adults diagnosed with migraine who need quick relief or cannot tolerate oral medications. It is not used to treat cluster headaches on this page, and it is not for prevention. Use only after a clinician has confirmed your migraine diagnosis.

It may not be suitable if you have heart disease, prior stroke or TIA, uncontrolled blood pressure, severe liver disease, hemiplegic or basilar migraine, or if you have used an MAO-A inhibitor in the past 14 days. Discuss use in pregnancy or while nursing. Not for children unless a clinician directs.

To manage your Imitrex Nasal Spray cost, consider these tips:

• Compare brand vs generic Imitrex Nasal Spray for potential savings.
• Choose a multi-month supply when appropriate to lower the per-month cost.
• Set up simple reorder reminders so you have doses on hand before travel.
• Check current discount on Imitrex Nasal Spray offers during seasonal promotions.

Some customers prefer to order Imitrex Nasal Spray online together with antiemetics to be ready for severe attacks. If you often pay out of pocket, look for posted promotions to reduce the Imitrex Nasal Spray cash price.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information: Sumatriptan Nasal Spray

Health Canada Drug Product Database

DailyMed: Sumatriptan Nasal Spray Listings

Order Imitrex® from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the product insert.