Sumatriptan

NHS information about the medicine sumatriptan, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.

What sumatriptan is for

Sumatriptan is used to treat migraines and cluster headaches.

It relieves symptoms such as headache, feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) and sensitivity to light and sound. However, it does not prevent migraines from starting.

How to take sumatriptan

Sumatriptan usually comes as tablets you swallow. It also sometimes comes as a nasal spray or as an injection that you give yourself.

When taking sumatriptan:

take it as soon as possible after the start of a migraine – it may start to work within 30 minutes but can take up to 2 hours
swallow tablets whole with water – you can take them with or without food
if you're using nasal spray, spray it into one nostril
if you're using an injection pen, you usually inject it into your thigh or upper arm

If your symptoms start to come back, you can take a second dose. If you're taking tablets or using a nasal spray, wait at least 2 hours after your first dose. If you're using an injection, you can take a second dose after 1 hour.

Do not take a second dose if the first dose did not help.

If your symptoms come back again after your second dose, check the packet or leaflet to see if you can take the medicine again. Some types are only supposed to be taken twice in 24 hours. Do not take more than the recommended or prescribed dose.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or you have any problems taking it.

Side effects of sumatriptan

Like all medicines, sumatriptan can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of sumatriptan include:

feeling flushed – this may make your face, neck and chest turn red
feeling tired (fatigue) and weak
feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
dizziness
shortness of breath
muscle pain or aching muscles

If you feel dizzy or tired after taking sumatriptan, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until these symptoms have passed.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of sumatriptan.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot take sumatriptan

Most adults up to the age of 65 years can take sumatriptan. Older adults can sometimes take it if a doctor prescribes it.

The nasal spray is sometimes also prescribed for children aged 12 years or older.

But sumatriptan is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

you've had an allergic reaction or a serious side effect from sumatriptan
you have a heart, liver or kidney condition
you've ever had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
you've ever had a seizure (fit)
you have high blood pressure
you have peripheral vascular disease, such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

Before taking sumatriptan, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and sumatriptan

You can usually take sumatriptan while breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

You should wait at least 12 hours after taking sumatriptan before you breastfeed your baby.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicines you're taking but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and sumatriptan

If you're pregnant, ask your doctor for advice before taking sumatriptan.

Sumatriptan can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

Find out more about taking triptans, including sumatriptan, during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking sumatriptan with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with sumatriptan.

This includes:

other medicines to treat migraine, such as ergotamine or other triptans such as naratriptan
some types of antidepressant, such as SSRIs (for example sertraline or paroxetine) or SNRIs (for example duloxetine or venlafaxine)
lithium, a medicine used to treat mental health conditions
St John's wort – a herbal remedy sometimes taken for mild depression

Before taking sumatriptan, speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're taking any other medicines, or any herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

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