SUMATRIPTAN (soo ma TRIP tan) treats migraines. It works by blocking pain signals and narrowing blood vessels in the brain. It belongs to a group of medications called triptans. It is not used to prevent migraines.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Circulation problems in fingers and toes
Diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
History of irregular heartbeat
History of stroke
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Stomach or intestine problems
Tobacco use
An unusual or allergic reaction to sumatriptan, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take it more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Certain medications for migraine headache, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medication may also interact with the following:
Certain medications for mental health conditions
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Burning, pain, tingling, or color changes in the legs or feet
Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
Increase in blood pressure
Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
Seizures
Serotonin syndrome—irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea
Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Sudden or severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or bloody diarrhea
Vision loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Dizziness
General discomfort or fatigue
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.
If you take migraine medications for 10 or more days a month, your migraines may get worse. Keep a diary of headache days and medication use. Contact your care team if your migraine attacks occur more frequently.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
