Sumatriptan

Description

Sumatriptan is a triptan used to treat a migraine attack once the headache has started. It does not prevent migraine and is not for everyday pain. Tablets come in 50mg and 100mg. Swallow the tablet whole with water as soon as the headache begins. A second dose may be taken only if the migraine returns after an initial response; if the first dose gives no benefit at all, a second is not advised for the same attack.

Sumatriptan is not suitable if you have coronary heart disease, coronary artery spasm, uncontrolled high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, or a history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack, and it should not be used for hemiplegic, basilar or ophthalmoplegic migraine. Tell your prescriber if you take an SSRI or SNRI antidepressant, an ergotamine medicine, or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

Using triptans or painkillers too often can itself cause medication-overuse headache.

• Triptan for treating a migraine attack, not for preventing one
• 50mg and 100mg tablets, swallowed whole with water
• Take as soon as the headache starts
• Not suitable with coronary heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Not for hemiplegic, basilar or ophthalmoplegic migraine
• Frequent use can cause medication-overuse headache