How does Sumatriptan Work?

The Sumatriptan is used in the symptomatic treatment of migraines . It is a drug that fails to prevent migraine attacks, or to reduce their frequency.

How does Sumatriptan work?

Sumatriptan interacts with the neurotransmitter receptors Serotonin . This active ingredient manages to narrow the blood vessels in the head , to block the sending to the brain of the signals that derive from painful stimuli, and to block the release of substances that not only cause pain, but also induce nausea and other symptoms of migraine.

How is Sumatriptan taken?

Sumatriptan is taken orally in the form of tablets when the first symptoms of a migraine attack appear. If necessary, a second dose of Sumatriptan can be taken two hours after the first, on medical advice.

In case of excessive intake of Sumatriptan or prolonged treatment with this drug, a worsening of the migraine may occur. For this reason it is very important to strictly follow the doctor’s indications.

Adverse effects of Sumatriptan

Potential side effects of Sumatriptan include:

  • redness
  • pricking
  • feeling hot or cold
  • drowsiness
  • fatigue
  • weakness
  • dizziness
  • gastric disorders
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • abdominal cramps

Your doctor should be contacted immediately if Sumatriptan treatment results in:

  • pain, feeling of tightness or heaviness in the chest, throat, colo or jaw
  • difficulty speaking
  • svenevolezza
  • weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
  • sudden or severe stomach pain
  • fast, heavy or irregular heart beat
  • diarrhea with blood
  • He retched
  • sudden weight loss
  • cold sweats
  • shortness of breath
  • cyanosis of the fingers
  • breathing difficulties or swallowing
  • redness, swelling or itching of the eyes, face, lips or throat
  • rash
  • urticaria
  • vision problems
  • convulsions

Contraindications and warnings on the use of Sumatriptan

Normally, Sumatriptan treatment cannot last longer than ten days a month . Furthermore, it should not be taken if in the previous 24 hours other drugs of the same type or derivatives of Ergot have been taken and if they are taking (or have been taken in the previous two weeks) MAO-A inhibitors.

Before starting Sumatriptan treatment, it is essential to tell your doctor:

  • any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs;
  • the other medicines, phytotherapics and supplements that you are taking, in particular Paracetamol, aspirin or other Fans, antidepressants, SSRIs or SNRIs;
  • in case of heart disease or stroke in the family;
  • if you are in menopause ;
  • if you are a smoker or overweight ;
  • if you suffer (or have suffered) from heart disease, heart attacks , angina , irregular heart beat, stroke or mini stroke, circulation problems, Raynaud’s syndrome, intestinal infarction, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, convulsions, liver or kidney disease;
  •  if you are pregnant or breastfeeding .

Sumatriptan causes drowsiness , therefore it can impair the ability to drive and operate dangerous machinery .

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

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