Do you have a migraine? Only those who have experienced it know how difficult the severe, throbbing pain that comes with it is. Sometimes, even after taking pills, it takes a while for it to subside. Today, we are talking about a special medicine that is used to provide quick relief at such times, that is, after the pain of a migraine has started. That is, Sumatriptan, a nasal spray. This is not a medicine used to prevent migraines, but to control the pain after they occur.
What kind of medicine is Sumatriptan?
Simply put, when you have a migraine, some of the blood vessels in your brain dilate, meaning they get bigger. At the same time, a lot of pain signals are activated. This is what you feel as that unbearable pain.
Sumatriptan belongs to a class of drugs called ``Triptans''. This medicine does two main things:
1. The unnecessarily dilated blood vessels in the brain are narrowed back to normal.
2. Blocks pain signals.
These two actions will help your migraine pain subside quickly. Remember, this is a medication that you only use when you have a migraine. It is not something you should take every day.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is very important. Before prescribing Sumatriptan to you, your doctor should take your complete medical history, as this medicine can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions.
If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor .
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes | Because this medication narrows blood vessels, a person with heart disease may be at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. |
| Smoking | Smokers are at higher risk of heart disease, so special care should be taken when taking this medication. |
| If you have had a stroke or heart rhythm disorder in the past | This medication is not recommended for people with this type of history. |
| Circulatory problems in the hands and feet | These problems may be exacerbated by the narrowing of blood vessels caused by the medication. |
| Kidney or liver disease | Because these organs affect the process of removing medication from the body, the doctor should be aware of their medical conditions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In these cases, it is essential to talk to your doctor about the safety of the medication. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | It is important to know if you are allergic to sumatriptan or any of its ingredients. |
How do you use this nasal spray?
This is a nasal spray. Use it exactly as your doctor tells you to, and according to the directions on the label. Never use more than the prescribed dose or use it more often.
If you have any doubts about how to use this spray properly, ask your doctor or someone at the clinic for more information. It's nothing to be ashamed of.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may be dangerous.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you suddenly think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that should not be taken with this medicine
Sumatriptan is a medication that can interact with other medications. It is extremely dangerous to take it together, especially with the medications listed below.
- Other migraine medications: If you are already taking another type of triptan (e.g., rizatriptan, zolmitriptan) or a drug from the group called ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine), do not take sumatriptan at the same time.
- MAOIs: These are a class of medications used to treat certain mental illnesses. Sumatriptan should not be taken while taking these medications or for two weeks after stopping them.
- Medications for depression: This can interact with some medications for depression or anxiety (SSRI/SNRI) and cause a dangerous condition called ``Serotonin Syndrome.''
Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel a little drowsy and dizzy. Therefore , do not do anything that requires a lot of attention, such as driving or operating machinery, after taking this medicine.
- Changing positions: Be careful when getting up from a sitting position or sitting down suddenly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls, especially if you are elderly.
- Vision changes: If you notice any sudden changes in your vision, tell your doctor immediately.
- Medication Overuse Headache: This is something that many people don't know, but it's very important. If you take migraine medication for more than 10 days a month, it can make your migraines worse. So, keep a diary of the days you get headaches and the days you take the medication. If you notice that the frequency of your headaches is increasing, talk to your doctor for advice.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Sumatriptan can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate referral to your doctor or ETU | |
| 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, cold sweat. |
| Symptoms of a stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, high fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Sudden increase in blood pressure | Severe headache, blurred vision, chest pain. |
| Loss of vision | Sudden loss or blurring of vision. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Nasal or throat discomfort | Feeling a burning or discomfort in the nose or throat after using the spray. |
| Change in taste | Feeling a strange taste in the mouth. |
| Dizziness, fatigue | Feeling generally tired or dizzy. |
Take-Home Message
- Sumatriptan nasal spray is used to provide immediate relief from migraine attacks, not to prevent them.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about all your health conditions (especially heart disease, high blood pressure) and all other medications you are taking.
- Avoid driving and activities that require attention, as drowsiness/dizziness may occur after taking the medicine.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or difficulty speaking, go to a hospital immediately.
- Taking migraine medication for more than 10 days a month can make your headaches worse . Be careful and talk to your doctor about this.
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