How does Sumatriptan work?
Migraine occurs when blood vessels in the head temporarily widen. Sumatriptan tablets reduce the widening of the blood vessels, relieving headaches and other migraine symptoms.
Who can take Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan Actavis is for individuals diagnosed with migraines, not other types of headaches. Migraine headaches are typically severe and throbbing, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light (photophobia). They often affect one side of the head but not always, and may be preceded by visual or sensory disturbances (aura). Migraines usually last a few hours and then subside, with no symptoms in between.
Who should not use Sumatriptan?
If any of the following apply, discuss your treatment with your GP and do not use sumatriptan without approval:
- History of fits or seizures.
- Serious liver or kidney disease.
- Over 65 years old.
- Heavy smoker (over 25 cigarettes/day), man over 40, or postmenopausal woman – extra risk of heart disease may require additional checks from your GP before taking sumatriptan.
- Previous heart attack, stroke, or mini-strokes (TIAs).
- Poor circulation issues (peripheral vascular disease).
- Angina (heart pain during exertion).
- Irregular heart rhythm.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Taking with other medicines
Sumatriptan belongs to a group of medicines called triptans and should not be taken simultaneously with other triptans used for migraine treatment, including naratriptan, rizatriptan, and zolmitriptan. Other migraine treatments that may interact include ergotamine or similar medicines. Allow at least 24 hours between taking these medications and sumatriptan.
Sumatriptan should not be taken within 2 weeks of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and can interact with other antidepressants known as SSRIs or SNRIs, as well as herbal remedies containing St. John’s Wort. If you are taking any antidepressant medication, talk to your doctor.
Can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
There is limited information on the increased risk of birth defects with sumatriptan during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor before using it during pregnancy.
Although minimal amounts of sumatriptan enter breast milk, manufacturers recommend avoiding breastfeeding or using expressed milk within 12 hours of using sumatriptan.
Side effects
Do not take it if you are allergic to other triptans or sulphonamide antibiotics (rarely used).
Not everyone experiences side effects, and some symptoms may actually be caused by the migraine itself.
Common side effects with sumatriptan tablets (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) may include: muscle aches, shortness of breath, dizziness, tiredness, nausea (feeling sick), temporary increase in blood pressure.
A common side effect with the nasal spray is an unpleasant taste in the back of the mouth, as well as irritation in the nose and throat.
Other possible side effects include: seizures, visual disturbance, heart problems (angina, changes in heart rhythm, heart attack), reduced peripheral circulation (cold hands and feet), feeling faint, joint pains, anxiety, and sweating.
How to take Sumatriptan tablets
Sumatriptan tablets are not preventive and should be taken as soon as a migraine headache is approaching, but they can be taken at any time after the headache starts. Do not take during the aura phase. The usual dose is one 50mg tablet, swallowed whole, but some people may require the higher strength 100mg tablet. A second tablet can be taken after 2 hours only if symptoms persist and have partially responded to the first tablet. The maximum dose within 24 hours is 100mg (2 x 50mg tablets).
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