Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is licensed to relieve symptoms of migraine headaches. It works by causing the blood vessels in the head to return to their normal state after dilating during a migraine. Conditions you should let your healthcare provider know about before taking the drug include heart problems, high blood pressure, and a history of seizures. Side effects include tingling sensations, dizziness, and chest discomfort.

 

What Is Sumatriptan?

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

Who Makes This Drug?

Sumatriptan is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
 

How Does It Work?

Sumatriptan is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (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.
 

Clinical 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 the medication. 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 it. Similar results were seen in studies of the nasal spray and injectable forms.
 
(Sumatriptan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;