Pregnant women often complain of headaches. Hormonal changes, like fluctuations in estrogen levels, may trigger migraines. During the first three months of pregnancy, migraines can cause a lot of trouble. Due to morning sickness, if you drink and eat less, then, due to dehydration and low blood sugar, migraine symptoms become worse. This condition is common in women aged 30-39 years, with a prevalence rate of around 25%. 80% of these women experience migraines during pregnancy, and 60% need treatment during this time. Imitrex is a brand of medicine used to treat migraines. Many have doubts about the safety of Imitrex during pregnancy.
When a woman is pregnant, everything changes—her routine, lifestyle, food choices, exercise, and, most importantly, she cannot take any medicine without a doctor’s opinion. Why? Not all medications are safe for pregnant women. Keep reading this article to find out the role of Imitrex during pregnancy, its safety, side effects, tips to prevent migraine attacks in pregnancy, and much more.
In This Article
- Is Imitrex Safe During Pregnancy?
- Does Taking Sumatriptan During Pregnancy Increase the Chances of Miscarriage?
- What Are The Side Effects of Imitrex During Pregnancy?
- How To Manage Migraine Attacks During Pregnancy?
- FAQ’s
Is Imitrex Safe During Pregnancy?
Treating migraines during pregnancy is often challenging. due to the risk associated with medicines and the lack of clinical evidence. Triptans are the first line of treatment for migraines. Imitrex is the brand name for Sumatriptan. It is available as Imitrex injectables, Imitrex tabs, and Imitrex nasal. Sumatriptan (Imitrex®), the first triptan to treat migraines in Europe and the U.S., was approved in the early 1990s [1]
A study revealed that, with its low molecular weight, sumatriptan crosses the placenta slowly and passively. After 4 hours, 15% of the maternal dose reaches the fetus. Researchers found a 4.2% risk of major birth defects associated with sumatriptan use. However, inducing late pregnancy triptan exposure raises the risk of the atonic uterus and postpartum hemorrhage. Sumatriptan may be a second choice for symptomatic treatment of migraine in pregnant women.[2]
According to available research, triptan use during pregnancy appears to be relatively safe. Prescribing sumatriptan (Imitrex) is often the first choice for pregnancies where triptan use is necessary, as it has been on the market the longest and has the most safety data. While other triptans have not been proven to be harmful, they have been studied less frequently.[3] Sumatriptan use during the third trimester increases 5-HT1B/1D receptor sensitivity. This causes umbilical cord artery contractions in normal pregnancies.[4] This research provides reassurance; however, it is crucial to emphasize that using Sumatriptan during pregnancy should only be considered if the benefits exceed the possible risks.[5]
Does Taking Sumatriptan During Pregnancy Increase The Chances of Miscarriage?
The available data does not indicate teratogenic effects for the triptans, but the preterm birth rates are higher. The reported adverse effects of sumatriptan depend on whether the drug is administered orally, nasally, or parenterally. The most common adverse events noted with the use of triptans during pregnancy are spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery (birth occurring earlier than 37 completed weeks of gestation), and low birth weight. [6]
What Are The Side Effects of Imitrex During Pregnancy?
If you have a migraine, your doctor may prescribe Imitrex. However, there are side effects of Imitrex, just like other medicines have. Some of these side effects are mild, and some may be severe. The side effects of Imitrex are:
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Stiffness in neck, throat and jaw
- Increased bleeding risk during pregnancy.
- High blood pressure.
- Seizures
- Tingling or numbness in fingers and toes
- Preeclampsia (rare)
- Serotonin syndrome: Mental changes, hallucinations, high body temperature, fast heartbeat, difficulty in walking, agitation, tight muscles, tight muscles.
How To Manage Migraine Attacks During Pregnancy?
Many women experience their first migraine during pregnancy. There may be a migraine-hormonal connection. Women prefer to find ways to manage migraines naturally, and here are some of the common tips to help pregnant women.
1. Know These Common Triggers And Avoid Them
Not drinking enough water, stress, tiredness, lack of sleep, missing meals, cheese, coffee, chocolates, and weather changes are the common triggers behind migraine episodes. It’s possible to avoid these triggers. Eat small meals but frequently. Drink a small amount of water many times.
2. Take a Nap, But The Right Way
Relax as much as you can. If you experience pain, take a short nap. Do you know that migraines make you sensitive to bright light? Relax in a dark room where there is no noise. Turn off the electronics. You can also try a massage.
3. Follow Simple Tips
Ice packs can help because cold constricts blood vessels and relieves pain. While lying down, place a damp towel on your head. [7]
4. Are You Consuming Enough Magnesium-rich Food?
Magnesium can help prevent migraines. Pregnant women should increase their intake of magnesium-rich foods, including seeds, nuts, beans, and leafy greens. Magnesium supplements can also be taken after a doctor’s prescription.[8]
Many women with migraines may discontinue their medications during pregnancy, believing these medicines are not safe. This is wrong. There are different medicines available to treat migraines during pregnancy. It is crucial to treat migraines during pregnancy for the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Without proper treatment, a pregnant woman may struggle with eating and sleeping and may experience stress and depression, affecting her health. It is vital to exercise caution when taking medications during pregnancy. Avoid using over-the-counter drugs for headaches. There may be a possibility that you experience migraines for the first time during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking any medication. Prescription-only medication such as Imitrex should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision during pregnancy. Sufficient data is available for the role of Imitrex during pregnancy.
FAQ’s
1. Is it OK to Take Imitrex daily?
Imitrex is taken only during migraine episodes. When you are having symptoms of migraine, you need to take a dose of Imitrex as per your doctor’s prescription, but it is not taken to prevent migraine or cluster headaches.
2. Who Should Avoid Sumatriptan?
Patients who are allergic to sumatriptan, have a history of heart diseases like chest pain, arrhythmia, or coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease (circulation problems in legs), stroke, liver problems, fits (seizures) and high blood pressure need to be cautious.
References
- Triptans
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24998-triptans - Headache and pregnancy: a systematic review – https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-017-0816-0#citeas
- Pregnancy and Migraine Medications
https://www.migrainedisorders.org/pregnancy-and-migraine-medications/ - Triptans in Pregnancy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3644550/ - Safety of triptans for migraine headaches during pregnancy and breastfeeding – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2902939/
- Delivery outcome in women who used drugs for migraine during pregnancy with special reference to sumatriptan
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11318881/ - Migraine in pregnancy: what are the safest treatment options? –https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9825951/
- Magnesium in pregnancy – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27445320/
