Can Imitrex (sumatriptan) cause rebound headaches?

Yes, Imitrex (sumatriptan) can cause rebound headaches (also known as medication-overuse headaches). Rebound headaches are more likely to occur if you take Imitrex alone or a combination of Imitrex and other headache medications (e.g., opioids, analgesics) for 10 or more days per month.

Contact your healthcare provider if your headaches seem to be getting worse while taking Imitrex. They can help you determine if you are experiencing medication-overuse headaches and offer guidance on how to treat this disorder.

What is a rebound headache?

A rebound headache is a headache that occurs on 15 or more days per month in patients with a pre-existing headache condition who have used headache medication for 10 or more days per month for over three months. All types of headache medications, including over-the-counter medications, can lead to rebound headaches.

Symptoms of a rebound headache could look like migraine-like daily headaches, or an increase in migraine attacks. Rebound headaches typically occur in the morning and are difficult to treat.

Certain people are at a higher risk for rebound headaches than others. For example, patients who tend to get headaches often are at a higher risk for rebound headaches. Other risk factors for rebound headaches include:

• Younger than 50 years old
• Family history of rebound headaches or substance abuse
• High daily caffeine consumption
• Physical inactivity
• Assigned female at birth

Studies suggest genetics may also play a role in rebound headaches.

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How often can I take Imitrex?

It isn’t known how safe it is to take Imitrex to treat more than 4 headaches per month. If you need to treat your headaches more often, consult with your healthcare provider. It is best to avoid taking headache medications for more than 10 days per month in order to avoid rebound headaches. If you are having frequent headaches, talk to your doctor about preventative options.