Sumatriptan: Fast facts and practical tips

Sumatriptan is a migraine medicine used to stop moderate to severe attacks. It belongs to the triptan family and works by narrowing blood vessels and blocking pain signals in the brain. Take it at the first sign of a migraine for best results; it won't prevent future attacks.

How to use sumatriptan

Oral tablets commonly come in 25, 50, or 100 mg. A typical start dose is 50 mg; you can take 100 mg if needed. If the headache returns, you may repeat one dose after two hours. Do not exceed 200 mg in 24 hours. The injection is usually 6 mg under the skin and can be repeated once after one hour, with a 12 mg daily limit. Nasal sprays vary by product; follow the label and your prescriber.

Take it as soon as migraine pain starts, not just when other symptoms appear. If nausea prevents swallowing, a nasal spray or injection works faster. If one form doesn't help, talk with your doctor about trying another route.

Safety and interactions

Sumatriptan can cause flushing, tingling, dizziness, drowsiness, or a tight feeling in the chest or throat. Most side effects are brief, but stop the drug and seek help if you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or slurred speech.

Don't use sumatriptan if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, history of stroke, or certain types of migraine called hemiplegic or basilar migraine. Mixing sumatriptan with ergotamine drugs within 24 hours is unsafe. Combining it with MAO inhibitors or with strong serotonergic drugs (some SSRIs or SNRIs) raises the risk of serotonin syndrome; check with your prescriber about timing and safety.

Keep a simple migraine diary—note dose, time, symptom relief, and side effects. That helps your clinician pick the best treatment. If you need frequent doses (more than twice a week), ask about preventive options; frequent use risks medication overuse headache.

Sumatriptan requires a prescription in most places. Compare pharmacies for best price, but use licensed pharmacies only. Watch for counterfeit or unregulated sellers online. If cost or access is a problem, ask your prescriber about patient assistance programs or alternative migraine medicines.

What to expect after taking sumatriptan: many people feel relief within 30 to 60 minutes with tablets, faster with injection or nasal spray. Pain may return for some; a second dose or different route can help. Don't drive until you know how the drug affects you. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Tell your clinician—sumatriptan has limited pregnancy data and your doctor will weigh risks and benefits. If you have liver or kidney problems your prescriber may lower your dose. Keep an updated list of all medications and supplements to avoid harmful interactions. Ask questions at every visit.

If you’re unsure whether sumatriptan is right for you, bring your migraine diary to your doctor and discuss heart risk factors, current meds, and treatment goals. With the right dose and follow-up, sumatriptan helps many people get back to normal faster.