Sumatriptan is the generic name for the first migraine medication in the triptan class of drugs. Available in a range of dosage and administration methods, Sumatriptan is available in tablets, nasal spray and by injection. The product discussed on this page is sumatriptan tablets.

This medication is useful for alleviating migraine pain and related symptoms, such as light sensitivity, auras, or nausea. It does this by attacking a migraine on two fronts:

• Constricts swollen blood vessels in the brain, thought to be the ultimate cause of migraines
• Blocks pain signals from being transmitted

Sumatriptan is also sold under the brand name Imitrex, and is similar to other triptan migraine treatments such as Migrex and Zomig.

Migraine Relief with Sumatriptan:

No one knows exactly why some individuals experience migraine headaches, and there is no cure. Sumatriptan is an abortive medication, which means it stops a headache in progress. It has no effect if taken prior to a headache beginning -- it will not prevent a migraine or lessen the frequency with which migraines occur.

Sumatriptan works best if taken when the first signs of a migraine are noticed, such as auras. Some migraine sufferers have no warning; the medication will still help ease the pain even if taken at later stages.

Ideally it is taken with plenty of fluids, which aids absorption into the bloodstream. It may be taken with or without food.

Effects are felt about 30 minutes after administration.

If one dose does not eliminate the migraine or reduce symptoms to tolerable levels, another dose may be taken after an interval of 2 hours. 200 mg of this medication should not be exceeded in a 24 hour period without explicit directions from a physician.

Triptans and Cluster Headaches:

Triptans have proven effective at reducing pain in the difficult-to-treat cluster headache; however, tablets are the slowest and least effective form of administration for this purpose.

Cluster headache sufferers seldom have any warning that a headache is about to begin. Given the severity of the pain involved in a cluster headache, fast relief is imperative. For cluster headaches, the fast-acting Imitrex Injections or only slightly slower Imitrex nasal spray is better option.

Though Sumatriptan is effective against migraines and cluster headaches, it will not significantly reduce pain or symptoms in any other types of headaches.

Precautions and Warnings:

Sumatriptan is a sulfa drug and should not be used by individuals who are hypersensitive to sulfa. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling of the tongue, lips or eyes, or swelling of the throat.

Like most medications, Sumatriptan may interfere with the effectiveness of other prescription drugs or cause unexpected side effects. Never mix medications without first speaking to a pharmacist or physician.

Fewer than 10% of Sumatriptan users experience mild side effects, including:

• Fatigue
• Warm or cold flashes
• Vertigo
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Muscle cramps
• Sleepiness

Less frequently more serious side effects are experienced. Medical attention should be sought if experiencing:

• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Vision changes
• Severe stomachache

Individuals who have a history of heart, liver or kidney problems have a higher risk of experiencing side effects when taking this product.

Taking too much Sumatriptan may cause a serious heart condition. Even if no symptoms are noticed, overdose of this medication warrants emergency medical attention.

Avoid taking other triptan medications in conjunction with Sumatriptan, including other forms of administration such as nasal spray, without first speaking to a doctor about potential risks.

Other Considerations:

Some individuals find Sumatriptan gradually becomes less effective at combating migraines. If this happens, speak with a doctor about alternative treatments. Sometimes alternating between treatments, even with very similar ingredients, will preserve or restore effectiveness.