The client is seen in the clinic for treatment of migraine headaches. The drug Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) is prescribed for the client. Which of the following in the client’s history should be reported to the doctor?
A. Diabetes
B. Prinzmetal’s angina
C. Cancer
D. Cluster headaches
Correct Answer: B. Prinzmetal’s angina
If the client has a history of Prinzmetal’s angina, he should not be prescribed triptan preparations because they cause vasoconstriction and coronary spasms. Tell the doctor if there is or have ever had heart disease; a heart attack; angina (chest pain); irregular heartbeats; stroke or ‘mini-stroke’; or circulation problems such as varicose veins, blood clots in the legs, Raynaud’s disease (problems with blood flow to the fingers, toes, ears, and nose), or ischemic bowel disease (bloody diarrhea and stomach pain caused by decreased blood flow to the intestines). The doctor may advise not to take sumatriptan.
Option A: Sumatriptan is used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches (severe, throbbing headaches that sometimes are accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to sound and light). Sumatriptan is in a class of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the head, stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain, and blocking the release of certain natural substances that cause pain, nausea, and other symptoms of migraine. Sumatriptan does not prevent migraine attacks or reduce the number of headaches.
Option C: Sumatriptan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken at the first sign of a migraine headache.If symptoms improve after taking sumatriptan but return after 2 hours or longer, the client may take a second tablet. However, if symptoms do not improve after taking sumatriptan, do not take a second tablet without calling the doctor. The doctor will advise the maximum number of tablets to be taken in a 24-hour period.
Option D: There is no contraindication for taking triptan drugs in clients with diabetes, cancer, or cluster headaches. If the client takes sumatriptan more often or for longer than the recommended period of time, the headaches may get worse or may occur more frequently. The client should not take sumatriptan or any other headache medication for more than 10 days per month. Call a doctor if there is a need to take sumatriptan to treat more than four headaches in a 1-month period.