Sumatriptan Succinate

Sumatriptan Succinate

Where is Sumatriptan Succinate used?

Sumatriptan Succinate is a prescription medication used for the treatment of migraines. This is a neurological condition that can cause multiple symptoms and is often characterized by intense and debilitating headaches. Migraine can last for hours to days and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities. Sumatriptan Succinate belongs to the class of medications known as triptans. This affects a certain natural substance that causes the narrowing of blood vessels in the brain. This may also relieve pain by affecting certain nerves in the brain.

How does Sumatriptan Succinate work?

Migraine is believed to involve changes in the levels of chemicals in the brain. The disturbing pain of migraine is an outcome of widening or swelling of the blood vessels in the brain. Sumatriptan Succinate acts on serotonin or 5HT receptors that are established on blood vessels in the brain which causes them to narrow. It also prevents the action of the trigeminal nerve. These actions relieve the headache and other symptoms that you may get with your migraine. 

How is Sumatriptan Succinate taken?

Inject the medication just below the skin as soon as the symptoms of your migraine appear. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Your skin should be clean and dry if using a needle-free device before injecting it. This must not be injected straight into a muscle or into a vein. Furthermore, do not inject this medication over the clothing. 

Do not use more doses of this medication if there is no improvement in your symptoms and call your doctor. If your headache comes back or if your symptoms are only partially relieved, you can use a second injection after an hour or as given by your doctor. In 24 hours, do not use more than 12 milligrams. The dosage of this treatment is based on your medical condition and your response to it. Let your doctor know if you need to use this more often, if it is not working well, or if your condition gets worse. 

What are the precautions in taking Sumatriptan Succinate?

  • Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you ever had an allergic reaction to it. Tell as well to your doctor if you have allergies. This drug may have an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction. 
  • Limit as well as alcoholic beverages. 
  • Certain conditions can increase your risk of heart problems. Let your doctor know if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of smoker or overweight. 
  • Inform your doctor if you have any medical history especially of blood circulation problems, certain types of headaches, heart problems, seizures, or stroke. 
  • If you are at a high risk of heart disease, your doctor may want to check your heart before prescribing this medication. 
  • This drug may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or use any machinery until you know how this affects you.
  • This is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are planning to become pregnant, consult first your doctor.