Sumatriptan is a prescription drug licensed to treat migraine headaches. This portion of the eMedTV library highlights how sumatriptan works to relieve migraine symptoms, potential side effects of the medication, and some general dosing guidelines.
Weakness, neck pain, and flushing are a few common side effects of sumatriptan. This eMedTV segment also lists rare sumatriptan side effects like constipation and asthma, as well as side effects to report to your doctor right away (such as diarrhea).
What is sumatriptan used for? Sumatriptan is used to treat migraine headaches once they start. This eMedTV resource explains how sumatriptan works to relieve migraine symptoms, such as throbbing headache pain, sensitivity to light, or vision changes.
For treating migraine headaches, the usual dose of sumatriptan tablets is 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg. This eMedTV article also covers sumatriptan dosing for those using the nasal spray or injected forms of the drug -- and lists some general dosing tips.
MAOIs and triptans are among the drugs that can potentially interact with sumatriptan. This eMedTV Web page describes how drug interactions with sumatriptan can raise the level of sumatriptan in your blood or your risk of dangerous side effects.
Among the people who shouldn't take sumatriptan are those with a history of angina or a stroke. This eMedTV segment covers other precautions and warnings with sumatriptan, such as the risk of seizures or a heart attack in some people taking the drug.
As this eMedTV segment explains, generic sumatriptan is currently available in four strengths. This article takes a closer look at the generic versions, listing the forms they come in and some of the companies that make them.
