Sumatriptan Side Effects: The Complete Guide

What Is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraines (and also cluster headaches). It belongs to a family of drugs called triptans and contains the active ingredient sumatriptan succinate.

An effective treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms during migraine attacks, sumatriptan is available on prescription from a doctor or prescribing pharmacist.

How Does Sumatriptan Work?

Sumatriptan targets a type of receptor that's found on the blood vessels in the brain: the serotonin receptor. By blocking the receptors, it works by:

• Narrowing the blood vessels in the brain

• Stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain

• Blocking the release of natural substances that cause pain, nausea, and other migraine symptoms

While it can be helpful for reducing the symptoms of a migraine, it doesn't prevent them from happening. It's a medication that's taken once the headache has started.

Sumatriptan is available as tablets, nasal sprays, or injections, and is usually taken at the first sign of a migraine.

This medication is important in migraine management, as it provides quick and effective relief from migraine symptoms, such as pain, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Sumatriptan is a prescription medication and should only be used as directed by a medical professional. It's important to be aware of its potential side effects and maximum dosage limits. We'll discuss these below.

Who Can Take Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is an effective treatment for migraine headaches, but the medication is not suitable for everyone.

The following individuals may not be able to take sumatriptan:

• Anyone who's previously had an allergic reaction to sumatriptan or similar medications

• Those with certain types of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, angina, arrhythmias, and previous heart attacks

• People who have issues with blood flow in their legs (peripheral vascular disease)

• Anyone with a previous history or strokes, seizures, or fits

• Those with high blood pressure

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and women trying to get pregnant

Just because you have one of these issues doesn't mean you definitely can't take sumatriptan. It just means there's more of a risk when taking it - this should be discussed with a medical professional.

What are the Most Common Side Effects of Sumatriptan?

Mild Sumatriptan Side Effects

Sumatriptan may cause the following mild side effects:

• Nausea

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness (which may be caused by low blood pressure)

• Feeling hot or cold

• An upset stomach

• Tiredness

• Weakness

• Other abnormal skin sensations

These are the most common side effects and affect somewhere between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people. Typically, these symptoms don't last long and go away by themselves. Many people don't experience any side effects at all, or only very minor ones.

Serious Sumatriptan Side Effects

While they're less common, some individuals may experience more serious side effects, including:

• Chest pain, tightness, or palpitations

• Unusual feelings of heaviness in the face, arms, or chest

• Changes in vision or speech

• Confusion

• Severe abdominal or stomach pain

• Allergic reactions

It's important to know that these symptoms are rare.

If you experience any of these serious symptoms, seek help from a doctor immediately. An allergic reaction is a medical emergency - find out how to recognise an allergic reaction to sumatriptan below.

Recognising and Managing Allergic Reactions to Sumatriptan

Very rarely (in fewer than 1 in 10,000 people), sumatriptan users can experience a serious allergic reaction.

This usually starts with an itchy rash, throat tightness, swelling of the face, wheezing, and eventually collapse. Anaphylaxis is an emergency - call 999 immediately if you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms.

It's important to be aware of the side effects and seek professional help if you're worried. However, it's reassuring to know that side effects are usually mild. Sumatriptan is an effective and fast-acting treatment for migraines, and the positive effects of the medication generally outweigh the potential negatives.

Sumatriptan 50mg and 100mg: Do Dosages Affect Side Effects?

Side effects vary from person to person, so there's not one rule for everyone. However, generally speaking, you're more likely to suffer side effects if you're taking a larger dose.

Having said that, the seriousness of the side effects isn't related to how big the dose is. Taking 100mg doesn't mean you're more likely to experience anaphylaxis than if you were taking 50mg.

The increase in side effects isn't proportional to the dose increase either. By increasing the dose from 50mg to 100mg, the risk of side effects doesn't double.

A standard dose for sumatriptan tablets is usually 50mg, which can be increased to 100mg if 50mg isn't having enough of an effect. During a migraine attack, you can take another dose every 2 hours up to a maximum of 300mg per day. Do not take more than one tablet for the same attack.

A different dosing schedule is used if sumatriptan is taken by injection or squirted up the nose. When taken intranasally (up the nose), the starting dose is between 10-20mg. If injected, 3-6mg is usually given to start with.

Long-Term Side Effects: What to Expect?

If taking sumatriptan long-term, you may find it becomes less effective at treating your migraine symptoms. Excessive use of the medication can constrict the blood vessels in your brain too much. This reduction in blood flow can lead to a medication overuse headache.

But sumatriptan doesn't just reduce blood flow in the brain. By constricting blood vessels in the digestive system, long-term sumatriptan use can restrict blood to the bowel. Rarely, this can cause sections of the bowel to die - known as ischemic bowel disease.

Sumatriptan can also lead to decreased blood flow in the vessels supplying the heart, resulting in heart problems.

It's important to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with a doctor before starting sumatriptan, as they can put you at increased risk of some of these long-term issues. If you notice any new symptoms whilst taking the medication, make sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions with Other Medications

When it comes to interactions with other medications, we want to highlight the potential risks and side effects of combining sumatriptan with other drugs.

Here's an overview of the interactions with other common medications and how they affect your body.

Sumatriptan and Antidepressants

Combining sumatriptan with some types of antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), can increase the risk of a severe condition called serotonin syndrome.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include confusion, muscle twitching, high temperature, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and diarrhoea.

It's important to tell your prescriber if you're taking antidepressants, including SSRIs, before using sumatriptan. They can advise on the safety of combining these medications and monitor for any potential adverse effects.

Other Medication Interactions

Sumatriptan is generally safe to take with most pain medications, including paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin.

Many psychiatric medications and opiates can cause health issues when taken in combination with sumatriptan. As can the herbal medicine St John's Wort, so make sure to discuss this with your doctor.

Conclusion

Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraines. It works by reducing blood flow to the brain, which reduces pain and other migraine-related symptoms.

Sumatriptan belongs to the group of medicines called triptans, and shouldn't be taken in combination with other drugs from this group.

Some of the common side effects of Sumatriptan include stomach pain, anxiety, blurred vision, changes in speech, chest pain or tightness, chills, and confusion. Serious side effects are rare - many people find that the medication effectively treats their migraines while suffering few (or even none) side effects.

When using Sumatriptan, it's important to be aware of potential interactions with other medications. Discussing your medical history with a professional is a key step to take before starting the medication.

Our team at Quick Meds offer online migraine consultations to help with this. Our pharmacist will go through your medical history in detail, before prescribing the most appropriate medication for you. The medication will then be delivered quickly and safely to your door.

Are you suffering from migraines and looking to try a new medication? Complete a free online consultation with our team here.

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