Do you also get sick of the whole world when you get a migraine? You can't imagine the pain that feels like your head is splitting open, you can't look at the light, and you feel like you're going to vomit, right? Sumatriptan is a special medicine that doctors recommend for such severe migraines and 'cluster' headaches that cannot be controlled with regular headache medications. Let's talk about this in a little more detail today.
What kind of medicine is Sumatriptan?
Simply put, Sumatriptan is a medication that is used to control the pain of a migraine or cluster headache once it has started . It is not a medication used to prevent headaches. It belongs to a class of drugs called 'triptans'.
This medicine does two main things:
1. Some blood vessels in the brain constrict (narrow). During a migraine, these blood vessels dilate (widen) unnecessarily, which is one reason for the pain.
2. Blocks pain signals to the brain.
These two actions quickly reduce the symptoms of migraines, such as severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light. It comes as an injection under the skin.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Sumatriptan is not a one-size-fits-all medication. Therefore, your doctor should take your complete medical history before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you are a smoker
- If you have Diabetes Mellitus
- If you have a history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat
- If you have high blood pressure
- If you have high blood cholesterol levels (High cholesterol)
- If you have had a stroke in the past
- If you have circulation problems in your fingers and toes
- If you have kidney or liver disease
- If you have stomach or intestine problems
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to sumatriptan, latex, or any other medicine or food.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant
- If you are a breastfeeding mother
Do not hide this information from your doctor, as all of this information is very important in deciding whether this medication is safe for you.
How should I use this medicine?
Because this is an injection under the skin, your doctor or nurse will usually teach you how to use it clearly. Use only the prescribed dose as directed by your doctor. Do not use more than the doctor has told you to use if your headache has not subsided.
This is not a daily medication, so the term 'missed a dose' does not apply to this.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more of this medicine than you should, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
Interactions with other medications
Sumatriptan can cause serious reactions when taken with certain other medications. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal products, vitamins).
| Drug category | Important information |
|---|---|
| Avoid using Sumatriptan with these medications. |
|
| Other medications that may cause side effects | Some medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses can interact with Sumatriptan, so tell your doctor about them as well. |
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy after taking this medication. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects your body.
- Changing positions: Don't stand or sit up suddenly. Especially if you are older, change positions frequently. This reduces the risk of dizziness and falls.
- Alcohol: Alcohol consumption may interfere with the effects of this medication.
- Vision changes: If you experience any sudden changes in your vision, tell your doctor immediately.
- Medication Overuse: Another important thing to keep in mind is that if you use over-the-counter medications for more than 10 days a month, you may be experiencing more headaches. This is called a 'Medication Overuse Headache'. So, keep a journal of the days you have headaches and the days you took your medication. If you notice that your headaches are getting more frequent, be sure to talk to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Sumatriptan can have side effects. Some of them can be dangerous, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing, sweating, fainting. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache, change in vision. |
| Serotonin syndrome | Restlessness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, tremors, excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Other severe symptoms | Sudden increase in blood pressure, loss of vision, severe stomach pain, diarrhea with blood, Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers turning pale, blue, red and painful). |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Dizziness, flushing, body discomfort or fatigue. |
Take-Home Message
- Sumatriptan is a medication that is used to control pain after a migraine or cluster headache has started , not to prevent headaches.
- Before taking this medicine , be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Learn the correct way to use this injection clearly from your doctor or nurse.
- If you experience severe side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or facial numbness, seek medical advice immediately.
- Be careful using over-the-counter pain relievers for more than 10 days a month, as they can worsen headaches.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
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