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Sumatriptan

Brand names: Imitrex, Tosymra, Zembrace

Sumatriptan is a triptan that stops a migraine attack once it starts. It comes as a pill, nasal spray, or shot.

Brand namesImitrex, Tosymra, Zembrace
Type of medicineTriptan (migraine medicine)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It narrows swollen blood vessels in the head and blocks pain signals. It doesn't prevent migraines.

What it's used for

  • Treating migraine attacks, with or without aura
  • Cluster headaches (shot and some sprays)

How to take it

  • Take it at the first sign of migraine pain.
  • If the first dose helps but the headache returns, you may repeat it after a waiting period. Follow your label's limit for 24 hours.
  • Using it more than about 10 days a month can cause rebound headaches.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Tingling or warmth
  • Tightness or pressure in the chest, throat, or jaw
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
Call 911Chest pain that's severe or doesn't go away, or signs of a heart attack
Call 911Weakness on one side, trouble speaking, or a sudden worst-ever headache
Call 911Agitation, fever, sweating, muscle twitching or stiffness, fast heartbeat, and confusion (possible serotonin syndrome)
Call your provider todaySudden belly pain with bloody diarrhea

Warnings

  • Not for people with heart disease, past stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or certain types of migraine (hemiplegic or brainstem).
  • A first dose may be given in the office for people with heart risk factors.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Don't use within 24 hours of another triptan or ergotamine.
  • Never use within 2 weeks of an MAOI.
  • SSRIs and SNRIs raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider. It has been used in pregnancy when needed.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

This medicine is often taken only when needed. If you take it on a schedule, take a missed dose when you remember, unless it's almost time for the next one. Don't double up.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.