Can You Use Marijuana If You Take Imitrex?
Article written by
Tina MagrabiSenior Content Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
Adverse effects may occur if you use marijuana with the migraine treatment Imitrex. Taking Imitrex with cannabis is associated with an increased risk of numerous side effects, such as drowsiness and elevated blood pressure.
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What Is Imitrex?
Imitrex is the brand name for the generic migraine medication sumatriptan succinate. This prescription medication is used to treat migraines and cluster headaches.
The medication may be administered in several ways, including orally and via subcutaneous injection. Sumatriptan injections are administered under the skin, usually on the upper arm, stomach, or thigh. The medication has been shown to ease the symptoms of acute migraine attacks but is not shown to prevent headaches.
Uses and How It Works
Imitrex works by narrowing blood vessels around the brain, which helps to relieve pressure and pain. At the same time, Imitrex activates serotonin receptors in the brain, preventing the nerves from transmitting pain signals. This pain relief medication may also help reduce nausea and sensitivity to light and sound associated with migraine attacks.
Sumatriptan succinate is not used to treat everyday tension headaches and is only prescribed to people with a history of severe migraines. This potent medication is not recommended for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems.
Potential Benefits and Risks of Mixing Cannabis and Sumatriptan
Mixing cannabis and sumatriptan carries many risks and few, if any, scientifically-backed benefits.
Potential Benefits
There are no documented benefits of combining cannabis and sumatriptan, and some people may enjoy the intensified calm that may arise from taking Imitrex and weed together. Still, given the high likelihood of adverse effects, you should exercise caution and speak with your doctor before considering combining drugs.
Potential Risks
Sumatriptan may cause you to feel lightheaded or sleepy, and it is not recommended to operate a vehicle when taking this medication. Combining Imitrex with cannabis may intensify feelings of fatigue, potentially leading to unconsciousness and a DUI charge if you are driving.
In addition, taking Imitrex and marijuana together may lead to high blood pressure. Cannabis use, especially of strains high in THC, may increase blood pressure in some people. The combination of THC and Imitrex can be a strong trigger for raising blood pressure, particularly in those with a family history of hypertension.
Finally, marijuana use may decrease the effectiveness of sumatriptan, leading to rebound headaches. Smoking high-THC marijuana strains while taking sumatriptan may be more likely than other ingestion methods to cause headaches.
What to Do If You Need to Use Both Imitrex and Marijuana
Ask your doctor to recommend an alternative migraine medication that may be tolerable with cannabis. You may also speak with your physician about using medical marijuana rather than prescription drugs to treat your migraine or cluster headaches.
The Bottom Line
Drug interactions between cannabis and Imitrex are possible, and combining the two medications is not recommended. Speak with your doctor if you suffer from migraines and want to use medical marijuana as a supplementary treatment option.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take CBD with sumatriptan?
Some people may be able to safely take CBD with sumatriptan, while others should avoid the cannabinoid when using migraine medication. Only your healthcare professional can advise you on what medications are safe to take together. CBD has been shown to ease headaches, including migraines, in some people. Consult your doctor to see if CBD oil and other cannabidiol products could be an effective alternative to sumatriptan.
What can you not take with sumatriptan?
Several medications may interact negatively with sumatriptan. You should not take medications with Imitrex, including MAO inhibitors and certain antidepressants like Celexa and Zoloft. Speak with your physician for a complete list of drugs to avoid while taking sumatriptan.