Sumatriptan (By mouth)

Introduction:

Sumatriptan (soo-ma-TRIP-tan)

Treats migraine headaches.

Brand Name(s):

Imitrex

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If your headache comes back or does not go away after taking this medicine, wait at least 2 hours before taking another dose. Before taking this medicine more than 4 times in one day, call your doctor.
• Talk with your doctor if you are using this medicine to treat more than 4 headaches in any 30-day period.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• You should not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine for depression (such as trazodone, Celexa®, Effexor®, Luvox®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Serzone®, Zoloft®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, diabetes, epilepsy, or a family history of coronary artery disease (heart disease).
• Tell your doctor if you smoke, if you are over 40, or if you have gone through menopause.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, blood in your stools.
• Tightness or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jaw.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Discomfort in your throat.
• Feeling of warmth or being too hot.
• Runny or stuffy nose or ears.
• Weakness or tiredness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: