Sumatriptan
(Sumatriptan)Sumatriptan Overview
Sumatriptan is used to treat migraines. It helps to relieve headache, pain, and other migraine symptoms (including nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound). Prompt treatment helps you return to your normal routine and may decrease your need for other pain medications. Sumatriptan belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans. It affects a certain natural substance (serotonin) that causes narrowing of blood vessels in the brain. It may also relieve pain by affecting certain nerves in the brain. Sumatriptan does not prevent future migraines or lessen how often you get migraine attacks.
How to Use Sumatriptan
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using sumatriptan spray and each time you get a refill. Sumatriptan comes in different brands with different strengths. Carefully read and follow the instructions for your brand. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Sumatriptan is for use in the nose only. Remove the sumatriptan spray from the package only when you are ready to use it. Do not test or prime the spray before use. Doing so will make you lose the dose. Use Sumatriptan at the first sign of a migraine as directed by your doctor, usually 1 spray into one nostril. Avoid spraying into your eyes. Gently blow your nose before using Sumatriptan. Keeping your head upright, close one nostril by pressing with your index finger on one side of your nose. You may tilt your head back slightly to keep the medicine from dripping out of your nose. Place the nozzle of the spray device into the other nostril and breathe in gently as you press the plunger. Keep your head upright, remove the nozzle from your nose, and gently breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth for 10 to 20 seconds. Your nose may feel wet inside and you may notice a slight taste after using the spray. This is normal. If there is no improvement in your symptoms, do not take more doses of Sumatriptan before talking to your doctor. If your symptoms are only partly relieved, or if your headache comes back, you may use another dose after at least 1 or at least 2 hours (depending on your brand). The Dosage of Sumatriptan is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you have a higher risk for heart problems (see Precautions), your doctor may perform a heart exam before you start taking sumatriptan. He/she may also direct you to take your first dose of Sumatriptan in the office/clinic to monitor for serious side effects (such as chest pain). Talk to your doctor for details. If you are using drugs for migraine attacks on 10 or more days each month, the drugs may actually make your headaches worse (medication overuse headache). Do not use medications more often or for longer than directed. Tell your doctor if you need to use Sumatriptan more often, or if the medication is not working as well, or if your headaches get worse.
Sumatriptan Precautions
Before using sumatriptan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Sumatriptan may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Sumatriptan, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,blood circulation problems (for example, in your legs, arms/hands, or stomach), certain types of headaches (hemiplegic or basilar migraine), heart problems (such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack), liver disease, seizure, stroke or "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack). Certain conditions can increase your risk for heart problems. Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions,high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of heart disease, overweight, smoker, postmenopausal (women), age more than 40 years (men). Sumatriptan may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). The risk of heart disease, liver disease, and high blood pressure increases with age. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Sumatriptan, especially increased blood pressure and heart problems. During pregnancy, Sumatriptan should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Sumatriptan passes into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Sumatriptan Misdose
Not applicable. (See How to Use section.)
Sumatriptan Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Taking MAO inhibitors with Sumatriptan may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Do not take any MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with Sumatriptan. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with Sumatriptan. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking Sumatriptan. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs. If you also take any ergotamine medication (such as dihydroergotamine) or other "triptan" drugs (such as zolmitriptan, rizatriptan), you will need to separate your sumatriptan dose from your dose of these other medications to lessen the chance of serious side effects. Ask your doctor how long you should wait between your doses of these drugs.
Sumatriptan Side Effects
Unusual taste or irritation/numbness/tingling of the nose or throat may occur after using the spray. Flushing, feelings of tingling/numbness/prickling/heat, tiredness, weakness, drowsiness, or dizziness may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that Sumatriptan has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Sumatriptan do not have serious side effects. Sumatriptan may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects,blue fingers/toes/nails, cold hands/feet, hearing changes, mental/mood changes. Sumatriptan can commonly cause chest/jaw/neck tightness, pain, or pressure that is usually not serious. However, these side effects are like symptoms of a heart attack, which may include chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, or unusual sweating. Get medical help right away if these or other serious side effects occur,fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, seizure, signs of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion). Sumatriptan may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section).fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness. A very serious allergic reaction to Sumatriptan is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Sumatriptan Storage
Different brands of Sumatriptan have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Sumatriptan when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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