Sumatriptan tablets are used to treat migraine headaches, commonly known as migraines.

Migraine symptoms may include: a throbbing headache on one side of the head, disturbed vision, vomiting or nausea, and a sensitivity to sound or light. Experiences of migraine will vary from person to person but can be very painful and uncomfortable for the sufferer.

We still do not know exactly what causes a migraine, but many people report certain physiological or dietary factors as triggers. Tiredness, stress and hunger are all thought to play a role in some people, as are certain foods and drinks such as those containing caffeine, dark chocolate, cheese and red wine.

How does sumatriptan work?

Sumatriptan works by reducing the temporary widening of blood vessels in the head that cause a migraine headache. This in turn relieves the symptoms of the headache.

Sumatriptan tablets will only work once the migraine attack has started and you are experiencing symptoms of a migraine headache. It cannot be used to prevent an attack.

How is sumatriptan taken?

Sumatriptan tablets should be swallowed whole, with water. You can take them with or without a meal, but do not chew or crush your tablets.

Sumatriptan tablets should be taken as soon as possible once your migraine attack has started. It will only work during the attack itself and cannot be used beforehand in order to prevent one.

Each sumatriptan tablet contains one single dose of migraine relief medicine. You should always follow the instructions for dosage given to you by your prescribing pharmacist, nurse or doctor. Please note, product packaging may differ from the image above.

Which dosage should I take?

The usual dosage of is as follows:

• one 50mg or 100mg tablet for adults aged 18 to 65 during a migraine attack

Children under the age of 18 and adults over the age of 65 should not use sumatriptan. If you have a liver problem, you may be prescribed the 50mg tablets.

Only take one dose of sumatriptan per migraine attack. You should not take a second dose for the same attack, even if the symptoms of your migraine attack are not reduced after taking the medication. You need to wait until a subsequent migraine attack to take another dose of sumatriptan.

Never exceed 300mg of sumatriptan in one 24 hour period. If you accidentally take more than the recommended dosage of sumatriptan, seek immediate medical attention.

What if I forget to take or miss a pill?

If you forget to take your sumatriptan tablet, are sick (vomiting) or have diarrhoea immediately after taking one, do not double your dose to make up for it. Wait until your next migraine attack before taking another tablet.

The active ingredient in sumatriptan tablets is sumatriptan at a strength of either 50mg or 100mg.

Other ingredients in your sumatriptan tablets are: polysorbate 80 (E433), croscarmellose sodium (E468), microcrystalline cellulose (E460), calcium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous (E450), magnesium stearate (E470b) and sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Common side effects of sumatriptan (affecting up to 1 in 10 users):

• pressure, pain, tightness or heaviness in the chest or throat
• numbness, tingling, warmth, cold, or any unusual sensations across the body (these can be intense but tend to pass quickly)
• nausea or vomiting
• feeling dizzy, tired, faint or drowsy (do not operate heavy machinery or drive if you feel drowsy or dizzy as a result of using Sumatriptan)
• hot flushes
• shortness of breath
• a temporary increase in blood pressure levels
• sore or aching muscles

Seek medical attention if any of these common side effects become severe or are long-lasting.

Very rare side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10,000 users):

• changes in your liver function (inform your doctor if you are having a blood test to check your liver function when using Sumatriptan)

See a doctor immediately if you experience:

• signs of an allergic reaction (hives, rash, swelling of the tongue, lips, face or eyelids, wheezing or collapse)
• seizures or fits