What Is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is the generic version of Imigran, and like Imigran it contains the active ingredient sumatriptan succinate. Sumatriptan is used to treat acute migraine in adults during an attack. Sumatriptan works in the brain to relieve the pain from migraine headaches rather than to stop the pain from coming on. Sumatriptan belongs to a class of medicines known as 5HT1-receptor agonists. They also belong to the group of medicines called triptans. Triptans work by stimulating the receptors of a natural substance in the brain, called serotonin (or 5HT). Triptans are different to painkilling medications, as they work to reverse the changes in the brain that are thought to bring on a migraine attack. They also work to lessen the symptoms associated with a migraine.

What is the difference between Imigran and Sumatriptan?

Imigran is the branded version of the generic medicine Sumatriptan. Generic medicines are medically equivalent to their branded version but are available at a lower price.

How does Sumatriptan Work?

Sumatriptan succinate is thought to reverse the temporary widening of blood vessels in the brain. The widening of these blood vessels is thought to contribute to a migraine attack. Sumatriptan succinate works to treat the cause of a migraine by stimulating the serotonin receptors (or 5HT) found in the brain. Sumatriptan also relieves other symptoms that occur together with a migraine headache, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.

When should I take Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan can be used by people who experience less than 10 episodes of migraine each month. It should usually be used for people whose headaches are not relieved by acetaminophen, aspirin, or other pain relievers. Sumatriptan will not relieve pain other than from migraine headaches. Sumatriptan should be taken when the migraine symptoms start to develop rather than taking it when you feel that a migraine may be developing. Sumatriptan should not be taken to prevent a migraine but to treat one.

How do I take Sumatriptan?

Take one Sumatriptan tablet with a drink of water with or without food as soon as the headache phase develops. If your migraine improves but then comes back, you may take a second dose, providing it is at least two hours after the first dose. You should not take a second dose for the same attack, if the first dose did not work. You can try taking Sumatriptan again for a future migraine. The maximum daily dose is 200 mg in a 24-hour period.

Will I experience any side effects when I take Sumatriptan?

There is the potential for all medications to cause side effects. However, the particular side effects experienced will vary from person to person. Sumatriptan is safe and effective for the majority of people who are eligible for treatment with it. Some common side effects that may be associated with Sumatriptan can include nausea, vomiting, tiredness/drowsiness, or dizziness. These side effects affect less than 1 in 10 people. If you have any concerns about side effects, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What is an Overuse headache and what should I do?

A medication overuse headache, or a rebound headache, can be caused by the overuse of the drugs used to treat migraines. This is why it is very important that you speak to your doctor if you need to take more than 10 doses of Sumatriptan tablets in a month. Your doctor may instead need to discuss prescribing preventative medication that you can take regularly to help prevent migraines.

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a common condition, which affects millions of people across the US. A migraine is characterized by a severe throbbing headache. Pain is usually felt at the front or side of the head. Approximately 18% of women and 7% of men experience migraines. While most sufferers have attacks, once or twice a month, more than 4 million adults have chronic daily migraine, with at least 15 migraine days per month. This means you’ll find someone with this condition in one out of every four US households (Migraine Research Foundation).

Side Effects

Like any medicines, Sumatriptan can cause side effects, but not everybody may experience them. Some symptoms may be caused by the migraine itself.

Common side effects of Sumatriptan include pain, heaviness, pressure or tightness in the chest, throat or other parts of the body, or unusual sensations, including numbness, tingling and warmth or cold. These effects may be intense but generally pass quickly. Some people also experience nausea, dry mouth and drowsiness. These side effects are usually mild and improve on their own.

Alternatives

Pain-Killers

Over the counter pain-killers such as acetaminophen, aspirin or other pain relievers may help to reduce the symptoms of migraines. They are most effective when taken as soon as the migraine starts.

Triptans

Triptans are medications that can help to reverse the changes in the brain that may cause migraines. ZipHealth offers a wide range of triptan migraine medication.