sumatriptan
a 5HT1 AGONIST that is effective in the treatment of acute MIGRAINE by rapidly reversing the dilatation of blood vessels in the head that causes the migraine headache. It is administered by mouth, subcutaneous injection, or nasal spray. Possible side-effects include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, chest pain, and a rise in blood pressure.
Sumatriptan is used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches (severe, throbbing headaches that sometimes come with nausea or a strong reaction to sound and light). Sumatriptan is in a class of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the head, stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain, and stops the release of certain natural substances that cause pain, nausea, and other symptoms of migraines. Sumatriptan does not stop migraine attacks from coming or reduce the number of headaches you have.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking sumatriptan affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether sumatriptan can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have concerns about fertility while taking this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking sumatriptan increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. The fact sheet notes that studies have not found an increased chance of miscarriage when sumatriptan is taken during pregnancy. Any individual questions about your situation should be reviewed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking sumatriptan increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect for various reasons. The fact sheet states that studies have not found an increased chance of birth defects when sumatriptan is taken during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits of treatment against any potential concerns.
Can taking sumatriptan during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Some studies have suggested a small increase in the chance of complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, and heavy bleeding after delivery when sumatriptan was used late in pregnancy. However, several of these complications have also been associated with migraines themselves, so it is hard to know whether the medication, the underlying condition, or other factors are responsible. This is a good topic to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Can taking sumatriptan during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
No studies have looked at sumatriptan by itself for effects on behavior or learning. One study of children exposed to any triptan during pregnancy found no behavior differences at age 3 except a small increase in behaviors possibly related to later attention problems, and by age 5 this difference was no longer seen, with no differences in communication, activity, or temperament. Any concerns about a specific child's development should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking sumatriptan?
The fact sheet notes that sumatriptan passes into breast milk in small amounts and is not well absorbed by the infant's stomach, so side effects are generally not expected even when breastfeeding occurs soon after a dose. The product label suggests that waiting 12 hours after a dose can further reduce infant exposure, which may be a cautious option, particularly with a preterm newborn. Some parents have reported breast or nipple pain and decreased milk supply with triptans, though it is not clear how often this occurs; your healthcare provider can help address your specific breastfeeding questions.
Source: National Library of Medicine
sumatriptan