Welcome back Johnny...sorry you need to be.

I had an experience several years ago with an Imitrex script that was surprising, amazing, and frankly delightful. While things may have changed...it's worth considering.....

Armed with a script for autoinjectors...I went to the pharmacy. I was presented with a box of "vials"....5 at 6 ml ea. I initially objected...saying this isn't the script. The pharmacist said: its the same med, at the same price, what's the problem? After a quick calculation, I shut the heck up and accepted...same med, self directed use amount, LOTS more available doses.

The only issue...I didn't have a script for injection needles. Again, no problem, which needles do you want? I picked the smallest diabetes type. Walked out with a BIG friggin smile on my face.....

Maybe dumb luck...maybe a tired pharm....maybe the beast was too busy tormenting a brother/sister...dunno. (later, in discussion with my treating neuro...she told me....no problem there, I'll write a script for that!)

Have since switched to Zomig NS as my last resort salvation...works 99% of the time, but if I was you:

I'd ask my doc for a "vial" script...plus needles.

Or, I'd suggest to the pharm...how about "vials"?

Best,

Jon

Don't refuse...and ask for the needles....it boggles the mind if they'd give you injectables and refuse the needles (get small, only inject just under the skin).

Many here say 2 mg is fine...only you will know what works for you. I didn't like the sensations at any dose...thusly the Zomig.  (no noticable side effects).

Best,

Jon

If you're referring to the autoinjectors, the answer is yes, I have them and I do take them apart. The syringe and needle have a circular lip and sit inside the spring loaded injector mechanism. I just use my fingernail, or a butter knife, and pull the syringe and needle out of the spring case. Or are you talking about another, different set up? Blessings. lance

I'm a newbie to this board (but an old veteran of CH).  So I apologize if this is an old and boring subject to you guys.  I tried Imitrex YEARS ago.  I had horrible side effects from it (felt like ice water running through my veins and like I was going to have a heart attack for about 5-10 minutes).  On top of that, it stopped the 2:00 a.m. attack but the 4:30 a.m. attack was off the Kip scale in pain level.  I took it again for the 7:00 a.m. attack and was so freaked out by the heart attack feeling that I went to the ER.  I'm wondering if maybe there's been some changes to it or if I just didn't handle it well.  I agree with Jon -- I've since tried the Zomig and found that worked far better without any of the kickback to the next attack.  But I'm always looking for another tool in the arsenal because it seems the Cluster Monster always figures out a way to eventually skirt whatever drug I try.  You know, just when you get your hopes up you've found a way to put him back in the box, BAM, there that Monster is laughing and chewing on the Imitrex needle.

Kristi - you might want to try the Imitrex nasal spray. I just got a script for that and it seems to work pretty good. I really don't like Imitrex, but they quit making Cafegot (or at least that's what my pharm said) so I'm stuck with it right now. The half dose doesn't have the "heart attack" feeling (and yes that scared the bejesus out of me also - that's why I quit using it).

But go with the O2 (look at the left for proper usage) - it still works the best with NO side effects. Chug a can of Red Bull with it and ... well.. that's cheaper and it works really well for me most of the time.

When I start getting hit back to back (high cycle - I'm chronic) I resort to DHE-45 injections (feels like battery acid going in) and that usually breaks the cycle and I get back to normal hits (joy joy )

But keep your sense of humor -- that's still the best medicine.. 

BarbaraD wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 9:11am:


Hey Barbara, hope your doing better since the last time we spoke...i just picked some up this past Monday...Let your pharmacist know that he's  full of cocka...What's with all the anti-trex??? i just don't get it...This has been my savior...if your going to do the tip, 1/4 works just as well (might take a few extra minutes with minimum side effects,if any--trust me on that)...Lenny

Kristie, I hesitate to say if there are similar side effects to Migranal (for me) since we all respond differently. But I will say it is not side effect free...nothing really is. Lethargic more than sleepy. And while cafergot may be off the market, it was replaced by Ercaf, which is I think the same thing: a combo of ergotamine and caffeine. At least it was available three years ago when I stopped taking it. Blessings. lance