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Sumatriptan Treatment for Migraines

Sumatriptan is the generic name for a prescription medication known as Imitrex that is used to treat severe migraine headaches. It comes in a nasal spray, oral tablet, solution for injection or a kit to prepare an injection.

  1. Function

    • Sumatriptan narrows the blood vessels in your brain to reduce migraine pain and other symptoms. It also stops pain signals from reaching receptors in the brain.

    Interactions

    • Sumatriptan interacts with a number of other common drugs, including many that are used to treat psychiatric disorders. It's important to let your doctor know all of the medicines you're taking if he recommends sumatriptan.

    Indications

    • Take sumatriptan only after you've developed a migraine headache. According to the Mayo Clinic, if this dose isn't effective, a second dose probably won't make a difference. If your pain continues, try another pain medication.

    Benefits

    • Sumatriptan may completely relieve migraine headache pain, or it may reduce the pain level so you can go on about your normal activities. It can also eliminate migraine-related symptoms such as light and sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting.

    Warning

    • Sumatriptan can occasionally cause severe chest pain, seizures and breathing difficulties. It's important to seek medical attention immediately for these or other serious symptoms.

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