Posted by DocGreg on February 07, 1999 at 16:22:32:
In Reply to: imitrex frequency posted by rick on February 07, 1999 at 08:24:10:
R,
I have asked Glaxo, as well as several neurologists that I work with, and, in a nutshell, they don't really know. Many of the drugs that we use as abortives are limited to 2-3 times per week in an attempt to prevent rebound headaches...yet Imitrex has not yet been shown to cause rebound headaches.
Cardiac complications are the biggest risk factors so far demonstrated with Imitrex...and, as the drug is eliminated by 24 hours, using it daily shouldn't (I don't think) increase the cardiac risk. More than once per day may, however. This, of course, has not been well studied, yet.
I have used Imitrex daily when I am having a bad run...in fact, I have used it daily for months (my clusters usually last 1.5 to 2 years). So far, no problems. But did the daily use prolong my clusters...that I can't answer for sure.
Basically all of these triptans (Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig) are new to the market, and the drug companies and doctors are still learning. When my head is hurting so bad that I'm banging it against anything that is not moving...I'm willing to take my chances with the Imitrex. With the knowledge that "we really don't know", you will have to decide on the risks yourself.
Good luck
Greg