Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraine attacks. It belongs to a group of medications called triptans, also known as selective serotonin receptor agonists. When used during a migraine attack, it helps relieve and prevent further pain. Sumatriptan works by narrowing blood vessels in certain areas of your brain. This can help decrease migraine pain and related symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.

Like all triptans, sumatriptan is a rescue medication. It is intended to treat a migraine once it has started. It will not prevent future migraine attacks.

It is important to remember that sumatriptan is a rescue medication, intended to treat a migraine once it has started. It will not prevent future migraine attacks. You should not take sumatriptan if you have used another triptan medication within the past 24 hours.

Be sure to discuss your medical history, current medications, and any concerns with your provider so they can determine whether sumatriptan is right for you. Tell your medical provider if you suffer from heart disease or any other heart issues, or if you’ve ever had a stroke. Let your provider know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Sumatriptan may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

The most common side effects of sumatriptan are atypical sensations, pain and pressure sensations, warm/cold sensations, and paresthesia (feelings of tingling or numbness). More serious side effects include pain, tightness, pressure, or heaviness in the chest, throat, neck, and/or jaw, slow or difficult speech, and faintness. If you experience severe side effects, please seek immediate in-person medical care.

It's important to tell your provider if you are taking any other medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or if you have any allergies. If you start using any new medications while taking sumatriptan, let your provider know. Check with your provider before stopping or starting any of your current medicines.

Sumatriptan should not be taken with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or other medications that affect serotonin levels, including antidepressants and certain allergy medications. Sumatriptan should also not be taken within 24 hours of certain migraine headache medications such as ergotamines, triptans, or tricyclic antidepressants.

Sumatriptan works best if it is taken at the first sign of a migraine attack. You may take one additional dose two hours after the first dose if your migraine returns or does not improve, but do not use more than the maximum dose recommended by your provider.