Sumatriptan (Generic Imitrex) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Everything you need to know about Sumatriptan

How does Sumatriptan work?

In many people living with migraine, there is a problem with certain nerves supplying the blood vessels inside the brain. Either pain is transmitted along these nerves, or the nerves release pain causing chemicals, causing the headache symptoms associated with migraine.

Sumatriptan acts like Serotonin, which is a chemical messenger used to send signals between nerves in many different parts of the body. Serotonin has many different effects on the body, however you are probably most familiar with its role as the “happy hormone.” How serotonin is involved in migraine is complex; research has shown that serotonin acts directly on blood vessels in the brain, upon nerves that control how pain is sensed and via a broad network of nerves projecting from the base of the brain (the brainstem) into almost all areas of the brain. (You may see Sumatriptan referred to as a Serotonin (5-HT1) agonist.)

Sumatriptan has three different modes of action:

Activation of specific nerves that use Serotonin.
Prevents the release of pain-causing chemicals.
Adjusts the circulation of blood in the brain.

The combination of these mechanisms can reduce the level of pain that a patient experiences. This in turn helps to relieve migraine symptoms once a migraine starts to appear.

How should I take Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan works immediately to relieve symptoms of migraine; we advise taking the tablet as soon as symptoms of migraine first appear. You can take a dose at day or at night. (It does not have caffeine-like or dizziness inducing properties.) Sumatriptan is available as 50 mg and 100 mg tablets (as well as nasal spray and injection).

A normal starting dose is 50 mg dose once daily as required, and increases to 100 mg if tolerated once daily as required.

If taking an Sumatriptan tablet gives temporary relief of symptoms, but migraine symptoms return after two hours or longer, it may be beneficial to take a second tablet. However if Sumatriptan had no benefit initially in relieving symptoms, taking a second tablet is unlikely to be of any further benefit. This does not mean that the medication will never work for you, and there may be symptom relief in future.

It does not prevent migraine days in the future, or make future migraine symptoms less severe. If you find that you are taking this medication for more than 10 days a month you might benefit from preventative treatment. Prolonged use of immediate relief medication used to treat headaches can lead to Medication Overuse Headache.

Please read the prescription instructions provided and follow them closely. Do not take more than two tablets (of 100 mg each) in a 24 hour period.

What do I need to tell my doctor before taking Sumatriptan?

You must tell the clinical team if you have a history or suspected diagnosis of any of the following contraindications. (A contraindication means any condition where you must NOT take Sumatriptan):

Hypersensitivity (allergy) to Sumatriptan or any ingredients in its formulation.
Coronary artery disease/ coronary heart disease including a family history of angina or heart attack.
Suspected or diagnosed coronary artery disease/ coronary heart disease; we may need further information or investigation risk factors such as:
High blood pressure.
High cholesterol levels.
Smoker.
Obesity.
Diabetes.
Menopause.
Male over 40 years of age.
Uncontrolled or severe high blood pressure.
History of stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack.
Ongoing treatment, or treatment in the last 24 hours with medication containing ergot or ergotamine (eg methysergide, dihydroergotamine) or other triptan medication.
Recent treatment in the last two weeks with any Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor medication (these include antidepressant or antianxiety medications such as Iproniazid, Isocarboxazid, Hydracarbazine, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Bifemelane, Moclobemide, and Pirlindole; anti-Parkinson medications such as Rasagiline, Selegiline, and Safinamide, and the antibiotic Linezolid).

Please notify the clinical team if you have any history of moderate or severe kidney or liver disease

There were no specific concerns in healthy volunteers over the age of 65.

Sumatriptan is often prescribed in pregnancy, but this does not mean that there are no possible effects to mother or child. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive or receiving fertility treatment we advise consulting clinical team, or a specialist doctor to discuss your treatment.

Prolonged use of immediate or acute migraine medication used to treat headaches can lead to Medication Overuse Headache, especially if you use this medication for more than 10 days in a month. We suggest seeking medical advice if you are concerned by any significant increase in duration, frequency or severity of your symptoms.

What are some of the side effects that I might experience?

Sumatriptan can have great benefits to reduce your migraine symptoms, although some individuals may experience side effects which are important to notice and be aware of.

Common side-effects include:

Digestive: dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, heartburn and diarrhea.

Abnormal feeling: warm burning numbness or tingling.

Cardiovascular: awareness of heartbeat.

Brain and nerves: dizziness, sleepiness, abnormal skin sensation, confusion, and agitation.

Skin: flushing of skin.

Other: nil.

If you are unhappy with any side effects that you experience, please speak to the clinical team to discuss your treatment.

Further information on detailed side effects can be found in the official FDA drug label information for Sumatriptan:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2abc46d5-1810-469d-8d31-fafa7312421c

What are the side effects that mean I need to call my doctor immediately?

If at any time you experience any worrying or potentially serious side effects, stop taking Sumatriptan and seek immediate medical advice from Mable Support or another physician. If there is any doubt contact emergency services and state your symptoms and that you have taken a migraine medication called Sumatriptan.

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

Chest pain, fast heartbeat, skipped heartbeats.
Shortness of breath.
Severe swelling.
Severe headache.
Severe dizziness, spell(s) of passing out.
Persistent vomiting.
Persistent nosebleed.
Change in mental clarity/status.
Change in strength or feeling of arms or legs.

In addition, stop taking this medication, and seek appropriate medical advice in the following situations:

A suspected allergy to Sumatriptan (if in any doubt seek emergency medical advice).
Severe chest pain or discomfort, or diagnosis of coronary artery disease, high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), or diabetes.
Uncontrolled or severe high blood pressure.
History of stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack.
You have been advised by a physician to take a medication likely to interact with Sumatriptan.
You have been advised to stop taking this medication by a healthcare professional.

Please inform us of any changes to your medical health, including new medication or treatment.

Mable Phone Number: 855-953-4316

Hours: 7am-7pm PST Mon-Fri & 9am-5pm PST Sat-Sun.

What other similar medications are available?

Triptan medications include: sumatriptan (generic Imitrex®), eletriptan (generic Relpax®), naratriptan (generic Amerge®), zolmitritpan (generic Zomig®), almotriptan (generic Axert®), and frovatriptan (generic Frova®).

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