Have you ever had a migraine that makes your head feel like it's going to split open, makes you unable to look at the light, and makes you vomit? Sometimes, the pain is so unbearable that you can't even do anything for days, right? So, there are special medications that are used in times like these. Today, we're going to talk about one such medication, Sumatriptan, which comes in the form of a nasal spray.
Simply put, what is Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is a medication that is given to control migraines once they have started, that is, after the headache has started. It belongs to a group of drugs called 'triptans'. Importantly, it is not a migraine-preventing medication, meaning it is not a medication that you take every day. It is only used to reduce the pain of a migraine once it has started.
Imagine, when a migraine occurs, some of the blood vessels in our brain dilate unnecessarily, that is, they become larger. And pain signals travel back and forth. What Sumatriptan does is simply narrow those dilated blood vessels again, blocking the passage of pain signals. As a result, the symptoms of the migraine gradually decrease.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine:
Sumatriptan is not suitable for everyone. It can be dangerous to use this medicine with other medical conditions you have. Therefore, before your doctor prescribes this medicine, it is important to tell him or her if you have any of the following conditions.
| Disease or condition | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you are a smoker | Because smoking increases the risk of heart disease. |
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol | This medicine narrows blood vessels, which can increase the risk of heart attack. |
| If you have had a stroke in the past | This may increase the risk of impaired blood supply to the brain. |
| Diabetes | People with diabetes often have undiagnosed heart conditions. |
| Liver or kidney disease | The process of removing medication from the body may be affected. |
| Circulatory problems in the fingers (e.g. Raynaud's) | This situation could get worse. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | You should discuss the possible effects on the baby with your doctor. |
| If you have allergies to other medications or foods | You should also be aware of the possibility of an allergic reaction to sumatriptan. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a nasal spray. It comes with a device that you inhale through your nose. Follow the instructions in the leaflet or medicine packet that your doctor gave you. If you are not sure about the correct way to use it, ask your doctor again.
Most importantly: Never use more than the doctor prescribed. Don't keep using it because your migraine hasn't subsided.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, 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 is for you only. Do not give the medicine you are given for your migraine to someone else who also has a headache. It can be dangerous.
Other medicines that should not be used with sumatriptan
Some medications can cause serious side effects when taken with Sumatriptan. Therefore, if you are taking any of the medications listed below, you should tell your doctor about them.
- Other migraine medications: Other 'triptan' medications such as Almotriptan, Eletriptan, and Rizatriptan.
- Ergot alkaloids: Another class of medications used for migraines, such as dihydroergotamine and ergotamine.
- MAOI antidepressants: Drugs like Marplan, Nardil, Parnate.
- Other antidepressants and anxiety medications (such as SSRIs/SNRIs)
It is very important for your own safety to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy after taking this medicine. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Getting up suddenly from a sitting position or out of bed can cause dizziness and fall. Get up slowly, especially if you are elderly.
- Vision changes: If you experience any sudden changes in your vision (such as blurred vision, sudden loss of vision), tell your doctor immediately.
- Medication Overuse Headaches: If you take your migraine medication more than 10 days a month, your migraines may be getting worse. This is called a 'Medication Overuse Headache'. Keep a diary of the days you get your headaches and the days you take your medication. If your headaches are getting worse, talk to your doctor about it.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, Sumatriptan can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness in the chest, shoulder, or arm, difficulty breathing, nausea, and sweating. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, or walking. |
| Serotonin syndrome | Restlessness, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Other serious symptoms | Sudden increase in blood pressure, loss of vision, severe stomach cramps, change in color of limbs (white, blue, red). |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Change in taste in the mouth | This can be caused by a powder applied to the nose. |
| Nasal or throat discomfort | Slight burning or discomfort at the site of application. |
| Mild dizziness, lightheadedness | Rest for a while. |
How do you store the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius). Discard any medicine that has passed its expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Sumatriptan is a medication that treats migraines when they occur, not a medication that prevents them from occurring.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking .
- If you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty speaking, or sudden vision loss, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not use more than the doctor has prescribed. Doing so may worsen the headache.
- Avoid driving after taking the medicine as you may feel drowsy .
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