Sumatriptan

Rx only

Migraine-specific medicine.

Serotonin (5-HT1) receptor agonist.

Generic name

Sumatriptan

Drug class

Analgesics

ATC code

—

Pregnancy

Ask your doctor

Prescription

Required

Last updated

2026-01-15

Available forms

TabletNasal sprayInjection

Uses

Migraine
Cluster headache

How it works

Narrows swollen blood vessels in the brain to stop migraine.

Medical: Selective 5-HT1B/1D agonist causing cerebral vasoconstriction.

Common brand names

Imitrex

Imigran

Typical dosage

adults50–100 mg at start of migraine; may repeat once after 2 hours.

Educational only. Never adjust dosage without medical guidance.

Side effects

Very common

—

Common

· Tingling
· Chest tightness
· Drowsiness

Rare

—

Serious

—

Warnings

Avoid in heart disease
Not for prevention

Interactions

Medicine

MAOIs, SSRIs (serotonin syndrome risk)

Where you usually see it

Neurology clinics

Timeline

1991
Approved.

Fun facts

· Revolutionized migraine treatment in the 1990s.

Conditions it treats

Migraine

Related medicines

Naproxen

Long-acting pain and inflammation medicine.

Compare

See how Sumatriptan stacks up next to another medicine.

Sumatriptan vs Ibuprofen Sumatriptan vs Paracetamol Sumatriptan vs Aspirin Sumatriptan vs Naproxen

Frequently asked

Take it before a migraine?

No — take it as soon as the migraine starts.

Educational use only.This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.