Sumatriptan is a medicine that falls into the category of serotonin (5-HT1) agonists. It is one of the most common medications for adults to relieve their migraine symptoms and is made available as a tablet, nasal spray, or injection. They are available primarily on prescription although small volumes may be purchased over the counter when patients have already been diagnosed with suffering from migraines.

Oral tablets are the most common option. They are available in different dosage strengths with 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg being the most common. Prescriptions are refillable while the oral tablets may be taken with or without food. Moreover, sumatriptan can be taken after having used pain killers that failed to see the symptoms subside.

The medicine gained approval in 1991, is commonly used throughout the developed world, and is currently prescribed to over seven million Americans each year. Its chemical formula is C14H21N3O2S while its molar mass is 295.40 g·mol−1.

What is Sumatriptan Prescribed For?

Sumatriptain is a medication that is used to treat migraines. It is designed to be used when traditional painkillers have not worked or you require something stronger than NSAIDs. They are traditionally prescribed to patients who experience regular or semi–regular cluster headaches and are only available to adults.

The medicine is used to combat a range of migraine symptoms including light sensitivity and nausea. It can be used as soon as the migraine symptoms begin to show with most individuals noticing the benefits within 30 minutes, although the method of use will have a telling influence on the speed and potency of sumatriptan’s effects.

How Does Sumatriptan Work?

Once sumatriptan tablets have been taken, sumatriptan works by constricting blood vessels that have expanded inside the brain. By reversing the inflammation and swelling, the migraine symptoms become less noticeable. The medicine additionally prevents the release of chemicals that cause further inflammation of the blood vessels. Key issues to consider include;

• Sumatriptan oral tablets should not be crushed.
• They take up to three hours (but often minutes) to have an impact.
• It is important that you do not exceed the prescribed dosage in any 24-hour spell.

Sumatriptan can be used in conjunction with other medications, but those intentions should be discussed with a doctor.

What Are The Side Effects of Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is known to have several potential side effects. In severe cases, heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and hallucinations may occur. This can also lead to diarrhea, confusion, blurred vision, palpitations, irregular heartbeats, or difficulties with speaking. However, those dangerous side effects are very rare. The more common issues are;

• Body temperature changes,
• Skin tingling,
• Dizziness, 
• Exhaustion,
• Pain in the chest or jaw.

It is not a suitable medication for anyone with angina or heart disease. Other people who should avoid the medicine include people who have had a stroke or seizures in the past. Liver disease, circulation problems, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are additional reasons to avoid sumatriptan oral tablets, injections, or nasal sprays.