Effect
Sumatriptan is specifically developed to treat migraine attacks. It works in the brain by inhibiting the release of certain neurotransmitters and constricting blood vessels.
60-80% of patients with migraine experience relief from their attacks. In 30-40% of cases, the headache may return after a few hours. In such instances, the treatment can be repeated after a minimum of 2 hours.
Side effects
The most common side effects include chest tightness, palpitations, fatigue, nausea, muscle soreness, and a feeling of warmth in the body.
Precautions
Sumatriptan must not be used if you have previously had a stroke or heart attack, or if you have very high blood pressure.
Sumatriptan should be taken no more than twice a day and a maximum of 9 days per month to avoid medication-overuse headache.
What dosage should you take
Sumatriptan is available in several different formulations:
- Tablets 50 or 100 mg
- Nasal spray 10 or 20 mg
- Injection 6 mg
It is important to take Sumatriptan as early as possible during a migraine attack to achieve the best effect. However, if you have migraine with aura, you should wait until the aura has ended.
If there is some, but not sufficient, effect from the first dose, the treatment can be repeated after a minimum of 2 hours.
