Sumatriptan
What is sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is often used to treat acute migraine attacks and cluster headaches. It belongs to a group of drugs called triptans, and can be prescribed or purchased over the counter, the latter in packs of two 50mg tablets. Sumatriptan is not a painkiller. It does not work for other types of pain such as tension headaches or arthritis[1].
How does sumatriptan work?
Sumatriptan works by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain, which are thought to be widened during a migraine or cluster headache. It also reduces inflammation and blocks pain signals in the brain. In this way, it acts in a similar way to serotonin – a natural chemical that influences blood vessels and pain pathways[1].
Who can take sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is suitable for adults who have been diagnosed with migraines or cluster headaches by a healthcare professional. However, it may not be suitable for people who have heart disease, a history of strokes, mini strokes, heart attacks, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or severe liver or kidney problems[1].
Sumatriptan may also be unsuitable for those with risk factors for heart disease, a history of seizures or at risk of seizures. It can also be unsuitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, elderly, or under 18[1].
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist about any conditions you may have before you start treatment, and always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2].
What is the typical dosage of sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is available in different forms and strengths[1]:
As a tablet it is available in 50mg or 100mg strengths
As a nasal spray it is available in 10mg and 20mg strengths
As an injection it is available in 3mg or 6mg strength
The dose will vary based on the formulation and the severity of your migraines or cluster headaches. Typically, one tablet of 50mg is taken at onset of pain (10mg into one nostril for the nasal spray, 3mg injected into the thigh for the injection)[1].
If the pain responds to the medication, but then recurs, a further dose can be used after 2 hours (1 hour for the injection).
The maximum daily doses of 300mg for the tablets, 40mg for the nasal spray and 12mg for the injections should not be exceeded
How do you take sumatriptan?
You should take sumatriptan as soon as a migraine or cluster headache begins. Do not take it during the warning stage of a migraine, which is when some people experience an aura[1].
You should either swallow tablets whole with water, use the nasal spray by blowing the nose if it feels blocked, placing a finger over one nostril, and spraying the dose into the other nostril, or inject under the skin if using the injectable form (usually into the thigh or upper arm). No matter which form of sumatriptan you use, always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist[1].
Can you stop taking sumatriptan suddenly?
Sumatriptan is used only when needed. You do not need to take it regularly. As such, there is no withdrawal effect when stopping – but using it too often can cause medication-overuse side effects, which may worsen symptoms. Speak to your doctor if you feel like you may be experiencing headaches because of medication overuse[1].
What should you do if you take too much sumatriptan?
Taking too much sumatriptan can be dangerous. The most common signs of an overdose include tremors, fainting, vomiting, severe stomach pain, slowed heart rate, sleepiness, and loss of bowel and bladder control[1].
Seek emergency medical attention or go to A&E immediately if you think you’ve taken an overdose of sumatriptan.
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of sumatriptan?
As you’ll usually only take sumatriptan during a migraine, you won’t have a regular schedule to miss a dose. But if a migraine starts and you have forgotten to take sumatriptan, take a dose as soon as possible. Do not take a double dose[1].
Which medicines should you avoid while taking sumatriptan?
You should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other migraine medications or antidepressants. The risk of serotonin syndrome may be increased and any symptoms such as feeling confused or agitated, muscle twitching, high temperatures, sweating or shivering, increased heart rate, or diarrhoea should be reported immediately. St John’s Wort must be avoided too[1].
Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take before you start a new medicine, and follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2].
What are the side effects of sumatriptan?
The most common side effects of sumatriptan are experiencing nausea and vomiting, dizziness or drowsiness, feeling hot, cold, or flushed, nosebleeds (nasal spray), an unpleasant taste (nasal spray), or bruising at injection site (injections). While unpleasant, these effects are usually short-lived[1].
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience persistent or increasing tightness, tingling, heaviness or feelings of hot, cold, or flushing in the face, arms, legs, or chest[1].
Call 999 for symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, blue or grey skin or lips, sudden confusion, or loss of consciousness[1].
If any side effects are worrying, severe, or persistent, contact your doctor.
If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice.
The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with this medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional[2].
Frequently asked questions about sumatriptan
Can I drive after taking sumatriptan?
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive[1].
Can I take sumatriptan during pregnancy?
There is not enough evidence to decide whether sumatriptan is safe during pregnancy. Manufacturers of this medication advise to avoid unless necessary. Only take it if your doctor or pharmacist has advised it is clearly necessary, and after discussing the risks and benefits first[1].
How quickly does sumatriptan work?
A typical dose of sumatriptan usually works within 30-60 minutes for tablets and 15 minutes for sprays and injections[1].
Can I take sumatriptan with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
It is safe to take sumatriptan with paracetamol or ibuprofen. However, do not take it with other migraine-specific medications unless your doctor or pharmacist has advised so first[1].
For the official NHS guide to sumatriptan, visit their website.
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The information provided on this Medicines A-Z page is intended for general informational purposes only and was accurate as of June 2025. It is designed to offer simple, patient-friendly summaries of prescribed medications based on publicly available resources, including those from the National Health Service (NHS). This content does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a substitute for professional guidance from a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist.
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