Sumatriptan
soo-ma-trip-tan
What does it do?
Sumatriptan is used to treat migraines and cluster headaches.
Before you start
- Tell your health professional if you have heart or blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, or if you have ever had a stroke, or 'mini-stroke'.
- Tell your health professional if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How should you take it?
Take sumatriptan as directed when your symptoms first start.
Take the tablets with a large glass of water.
Inject the injection under the skin as directed.
If your symptoms get better, but then return, you can take another dose after 1 hour (injection) or 2 hours (tablet).
If sumatriptan does not help, do not take any further doses for the same attack, as it is unlikely to work. You can still use sumatriptan for a new attack.
Do not take more than the maximum daily dose advised by your health professional.
Can you take other medicines?
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Pain, tightness or pressure in your chest, throat or jaw Fast or irregular heartbeat |
Tell your doctor immediately |
|
Drowsiness, tiredness or weakness, dizziness Hot flushing Burning sensation, tingling or numbness Pain, tenderness or redness at injection site |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Tell your doctor if you need to use sumatriptan several times each week. Using sumatriptan too often can cause a different type of headache. Your doctor can talk with you about different medicines that are taken every day to prevent migraines or cluster headaches.
- Do not use sumatriptan to prevent migraines or cluster headaches.
- Sumatriptan can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)