Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan is used to treat migraine in adults and it is part of a group of medicines called triptans. They work by narrowing the blood vessels of the brain.
Many individuals find their headaches go away completely after taking this medication. Others find that their headaches are less painful, allowing them to be able to go back to their normal daily activities even though a migraine headache is not completely gone.
It is important to know that Sumatriptan tablets don’t prevent these headaches, and you may need to undergo testing to find out why you are experiencing them. Sumatriptan also should not be taken too frequently.
It comes in 2 different strengths 50mg or 100mg as a tablet and is a prescription-only medication.
You must speak to one of our prescribers to ensure the correct strength is prescribed for your needs.
Sumatriptan is a migraine headache medication used to alleviate associated symptoms of headaches, nausea, and light sensitivity. It's also used to treat cluster headaches.
Take Sumatriptan migraine medication as soon as your migraine begins to effectively tackle symptoms and treat it. While it isn't a painkiller, this pain-relieving medication works by thinning the brain’s blood vessels and blocking pain receptors associated with migraine headaches.
There are risks of possible side effects when using Sumatriptan, as with any medication. Most side effects are quite mild and subside over time. Others can be more serious and, in this stance, should be reported to your GP right away when using Sumatriptan. Feel free to contact a member of our team if you have any questions regarding the side effects and use of Sumatriptan tablets.
Common side effects can include:
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Dizziness
· Felling hot or cold
· Flushing of the face
You should stop using Sumatriptan and inform your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects
· Signs of an allergic reaction (Difficulty breathing, talking, or swelling of the face and tongue)
· Persistent tingling in chest, arms, legs and face
· Struggling to breathe, shortness of breath, or wheezy
How do I use Sumatriptan?
You should take sumatriptan exactly as your doctor has told you.
Sumatriptan works best if taken when you feel the onset of a migraine. You can, however, take them at any point during an attack if you do not have them to hand when your migraine starts. Do not take sumatriptan tablets to prevent a migraine before it occurs.
A second tablet may be taken 2 hours after your first dose if you have noticed an improvement in your symptoms but they have not fully resolved. If your symptoms resolve and then return, you can take another tablet after 2 hours.
If the first dose did not affect the migraine, do not take another tablet and speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on what to do. You must not take any more than 300mg of Sumatriptan in 24 hours.
Sumatriptan is available as Sumatriptan 50mg tablets or Sumatriptan 100mg tablets. People who try the 50mg tablets and find them ineffective may find the 100mg dose is more effective. It can begin to relieve migraine symptoms within 30 minutes of taking a dose
Can I use Sumatriptan if I am on other medication?
Sumatriptan should not be used if you take the following medications.
· Other triptans
· Anti-depressants
· Opioids such as codeine, fentanyl and morphine
· Tramadol
If you are unsure, please consult a member of our team and we would be happy to assist you
Can I use Sumatriptan if I suffer from any medical conditions?
If you previously suffered from or have any of the following conditions it is not recommended to take sumatriptan
· Heart attack, heart rhythm problems, ischaemic heart disease or angina
· History of stroke
· High blood pressure
· Liver disease
· Epileptic fits or seizures
· Circulation problems such as peripheral vascular disease
Can I use Sumatriptan if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Sumatriptan should not be used in patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant unless instructed by your doctor
Can I drink alcohol while taking Sumatriptan?
Alcohol and sumatriptan should not be mixed as this can bring on or worsen your migraine.
Can I drive if I take Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan tablets can sometimes make you feel drowsy or sleepy. In instances where you do feel tired as a result of taking Sumatriptan medication, you should avoid driving or operating machinery.
Can I use Sumatriptan alongside other painkillers?
You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen to help with your migraine if the initial dose isn’t effective.
How long will it take Sumatriptan to work?
This can vary from patient to patient but should affect symptoms within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking a dose. If no improvement there are a variety of treatments that can be trialed and you should consult your doctor
How long should I use Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan should be used for as long as it is prescribed by your doctor. If there are no improvements after 4 weeks then your doctor should be consulted to discuss an alternative.
Can I buy Sumatriptan over the counter?
Sumatriptan can only be obtained with a prescription, which means it can’t be bought over the counter at your local pharmacy. You can get it online at Pharmacy7days. You will need to complete an online medical prescriber to ensure it is appropriate for you.
Before taking any medicines such as this Sumatriptan treatment, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.14190.pdf