Sumatriptan (By Mouth)

Sumatriptan (soo-ma-TRIP-tan)

Treats migraine headaches.

Brand Name(s):

Imitrex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sumatriptan, or if you have a history of certain heart or blood vessel disorders, stroke, ischemic bowel disease, or severe liver disease. You should not use this medicine if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you are also using any ergotamine medicine (such as D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®, Cafergot®) or an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If your headache comes back or does not go away after taking this medicine, wait at least 2 hours before taking another dose. If you feel you need to take the medicine more than 4 times in one day, call your doctor.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine for depression (such as trazodone, Celexa®, Effexor®, Luvox®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Serzone®, Zoloft®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, diabetes, epilepsy, or a family history of coronary artery disease.
• Tell your doctor if you smoke, if you are over 40, or if you have gone through menopause.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, trouble breathing
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, blood in your stools
• Tightness or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jaw

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Discomfort in your throat
• Feeling of warmth or being too hot
• Weakness or tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.