Sumatriptan

What Is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan (brand name Imitrex) was the first triptan medication developed for migraine treatment. It works by targeting serotonin receptors to reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels in the brain. It's available in multiple forms.¹

Uses²

• Acute migraine treatment (with or without aura)
• Cluster headache treatment
• Not for prevention—only acute attacks

Available Forms

• Oral tablets - 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
• Nasal spray - 5mg, 10mg, 20mg
• Subcutaneous injection - 4mg, 6mg (fastest acting)

How to Use

• Take at first sign of migraine
• Can repeat dose after 2 hours if needed
• Maximum: 200mg oral or 40mg nasal or 12mg injection per 24 hours
• Limit use to avoid medication overuse headache

Side Effects³

Common

• Tingling sensations
• Warm or hot sensation
• Chest pressure or tightness
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Injection site reactions

When to Seek Help

• Severe chest pain
• Signs of allergic reaction
• Signs of stroke

Precautions

• Don't use with heart disease or uncontrolled hypertension
• Don't use with hemiplegic or basilar migraine
• Avoid with MAOIs
• Wait 24 hours after ergotamines
• Caution with other serotonergic drugs

Tips for Best Results

• Treat early in the attack
• Injectable works fastest
• Nasal spray useful if nauseated
• Rest in dark, quiet room after taking

References

1. Tfelt-Hansen P, De Vries P, Saxena PR. Triptans in migraine: a comparative review of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and efficacy. Drugs. 2000;60(6):1259-1287.
2. Ferrari MD, Roon KI, Lipton RB, Goadsby PJ. Oral triptans (serotonin 5-HT1B/1D agonists) in acute migraine treatment. Lancet. 2001;358(9294):1668-1675.
3. Welch KM. Contemporary concepts of migraine pathogenesis. Neurology. 2003;61(8 Suppl 4):S2-S8.