Sumatriptan Side Effects - What You Should Know Before Taking This Migraine Treatment
Sumatriptan is a migraine drug available exclusively by prescription that can assist to relieve migraine symptoms. If you have migraines and are thinking about trying a new drug, it's a good idea to do some research first so you know what to expect and how this treatment might affect you.
We'll take a deeper look at the most frequent Sumatriptan side effects in this article so you'll know what to expect if you decide to take this migraine treatment.
Symptoms and adverse effects of Sumatriptan
If you opt to take Sumatriptan tablets to treat your migraines, you may face certain possible adverse effects.
Some Sumatriptan users will have no bad side effects at all and will have a fantastic experience with the medicine.
The following are some of the most prevalent Sumatriptan side effects:
- Feeling cold or hot
- Hot flushes
- Sensations of tingling or prickling in your skin
- Pain or pressure in the chest, neck, jaw, or throat
- Feeling nauseous (nausea) or vomiting (vomiting) – this could be caused by the migraine itself
- Drowsiness or tiredness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- An elevation in blood pressure that is just temporary
- Breathing problems
Don't be alarmed if you get chest pain or tightness after taking Sumatriptan; the symptoms may be severe, but they usually pass rapidly. You should get medical attention as soon as possible if they do not improve or become more severe.
Sumatriptan has serious adverse effects and symptoms
If you encounter major adverse effects from any drug, including Sumatriptan, you should contact your doctor right once. You should contact emergency services if you believe your symptoms are dangerous or life-threatening.
These are some of the more serious Sumatriptan side effects and associated symptoms:
- Chest discomfort, shoulder pain, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, and profuse perspiration are all indications of a heart attack or other cardiovascular disease.
- Tightness, heaviness, pressure, or pain in the chest or neck are examples of other chest disorders.
- Agitation, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, shaking, heavy sweating, dilated pupils, tight or twitching muscles, nausea or diarrhoea are all symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen (stomach area), diarrhoea or bloody diarrhoea are all symptoms of digestive issues.
- Headache, drooping face, difficulty speaking, numbness, weakness on one side of your body, lack of balance are all symptoms of a stroke or a brain haemorrhage.
- Confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, suicidal or self-harming thoughts are all symptoms of mental illness.
Although the following adverse effects are uncommon, it's important to be aware of them in case you experience them. You may require medical treatment if they occur. If you have any doubts, get medical advice right away.
Maximum dose of sumatriptan
Sumatriptan has a maximum suggested dose of 300 mg every 24 hours (either three 100 mg tablets or six 50mg tablets). Any more than this will not relieve your migraine symptoms and may even be harmful.
There are two doses of sumatriptan tablets: 50 mg and 100 mg. At Ashcroft Pharmacy, we have both dosages available; click here to buy Sumatriptan online.
A single 50 mg tablet of Sumatriptan is the standard suggested dosage (however, in some circumstances, users may require a 100 mg dose).
If your migraine symptoms return after at least two hours, take your regular dose again; however, do not exceed the maximum suggested dose of 300 mg in 24 hours.
If you think you've taken too much Sumatriptan and are experiencing symptoms of an overdose, see your doctor right once.
Consuming alcohol whilst taking Sumatriptan
Alcohol should have no influence on Sumatriptan's efficiency.
During a migraine, however, you should avoid (or at least limit) alcohol use because it may aggravate your symptoms and worsen your condition.
Drinking alcohol may exacerbate Sumatriptan's side effects, such as sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, or hot flushing, making it more difficult to recover from a migraine.
When should you take Sumatriptan if you're pregnant?
There is currently insufficient data or research to determine whether Sumatriptan is safe to take while pregnant or nursing.
It is typically recommended that this drug not be taken in these circumstances until the full effect can be determined. Your doctor will be able to give you more specific advice on how to deal with migraines while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Visit our page on Sumatriptan use during pregnancy for more details.
Driving or operating heavy machinery when on Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan has the potential to make you sleepy, drowsy, and dizzy. It may also slow down your reaction times and make you less aware.
As a result, you should avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in any other potentially hazardous activity until you know how this prescription will effect you.
It's possible that none of these adverse effects affect you at all. However, it is better to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you are certain of this, both for your personal safety and the protection of those around you.
Interactions of Sumatriptan with Other Medications
Sumatriptan has the potential to interact with a number of other medications, so it may not be a good fit for you depending on what else you're taking.
Sumatriptan is safe to take with other drugs including pain relievers and anti-sickness medications, such as:
- Ibuprofen
- Paracetamol
- Aspirin
- Anti-nausea and anti-emetic drugs
In addition, Sumatriptan should not interact with antibiotics or the contraceptive pill (and vice versa).
However, because sumatriptan may interact with antidepressants, you should avoid taking it if you are taking, or have recently taken, any of the following medications:
- Medicines containing ergotamine or related substances (e.g. methysergide maleate)
- MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase A/MAO inhibitors) (e.g. moclobemide or selegiline)
Consult your doctor if you're not sure how your antidepressant prescription will interact with Sumatriptan.
You should not take any other 'triptan' migraine medicine while using Sumatriptan, including:
- Maxalt
- Almogran
- Naramig
- Migard
These medications are all from the same family, and they all have the potential to cause harm if used in excess of the maximum daily dose.
Is Sumatriptan suitable with existing health conditions?
Many people regard Sumatriptan to be a very safe and effective migraine medicine. Certain health conditions, however, are contraindicated with this drug (meaning you should not use it because you are at a higher risk of negative side effects).
It's best to see your doctor or a medical professional if you're unsure whether Sumatriptan is safe or suited for you.
Is Sumatriptan a habit-forming drug?
Sumatriptan is not addictive, but if taken on a regular basis, some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms or find that it causes headaches to worsen rather than relieve them.
If you think you're overdosing on Sumatriptan or have an addiction, you should talk to your doctor.
Sumatriptan in Summary
If you have migraines, Sumatriptan is a quick-acting and efficient choice.
Sumatriptan has a few documented side effects, but they are usually minor: sleepiness is the most common. Some symptoms are more severe than others, but they normally fade away fast.
Overall, the medication's benefits greatly outweigh any minor side effects, and many Sumatriptan users have no negative side effects at all when taking the tablets.
If you suffer any of Sumatriptan's more serious side effects, you should get medical help right once.
