Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a prescription medication that has been approved to relieve symptoms of migraine headaches. Sumatriptan works by causing the blood vessels in the head to return to their normal state after dilating during a migraine. A few of the conditions you should let your healthcare provider know about before taking sumatriptan include heart problems, high blood pressure, and a history of seizures. There are some possible side effects of sumatriptan, including tingling sensations, dizziness, and chest discomfort.

 

What Is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan succinate (Imitrex®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat migraine headaches. Sumatriptan will not help to prevent migraines, but it can help to treat a migraine that is already occurring. The injectable form of sumatriptan is also approved for the acute treatment of cluster headaches.
 
(Click What Is Sumatriptan Used For? for more information on what sumatriptan is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Manufacturer of Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
 

How Does Sumatriptan Work?

Sumatriptan is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans"). During a migraine headache, some of the blood vessels in the head can become dilated (wider than they usually are). Sumatriptan works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
 

Sumatriptan Effects

In one study, 52 to 62 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking sumatriptan tablets, compared to only 27 percent who did not take sumatriptan. Within four hours, as many as 79 percent of people who had taken sumatriptan had migraine relief, compared to just 38 percent of people not taking sumatriptan. Similar results were seen in studies of sumatriptan nasal spray and sumatriptan injection.
 
(Sumatriptan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;