Sumitop (sumatriptan) comes in tablets, containing the first widely-available triptan medication, on the market since the early 1990s. It is ideal as an abortive treatment for migraines and associated symptoms, including auras, light or sound sensitivity, and so forth.

While triptan medications are also used to alleviate cluster headaches, faster-acting administration methods are usually preferred. Sumitop's active ingredient is also available in nasal sprays and injections, both of which begin producing benefit faster than tablets and will likely produce better results in cluster headache treatment.

Note that Sumitop is an abortive treatment only; it minimizes or eliminates a current, active migraine. It will not provide any benefit if taken when a headache is not present, and will not reduce the frequency or severity of future headaches. Other medications that do lower frequency of headaches may also be taken, with Sumitop used as a rescue treatment. Be sure to double-check with a doctor or pharmacist about the safety of mixing medications before taking them.

How Sumitop Works

Like all triptan medications, Sumitop works by narrowing swollen blood vessels in the head. It is thought that these swollen vessels, which can put pressure on the brain and nerves in the head, is what causes the pain, auras, light and sound sensitivity, and other symptoms associated with migraines and cluster headaches.

While Sumitop does not have direct pain-killing properties, it does block some pain signals from being transmitted. Sumitop is not particularly effective on other types of headaches, such as tension headaches.

Many patients find one or two doses of Sumitop minimizes or completely eliminates migraines, allowing normal life to resume. As with any medication Sumitop doesn't work for everyone, however. If Sumitop has been tried a few times with no significant difference in headaches, speak with a doctor about alternative options. There are many out there.

Taking Sumitop

Sumitop is available in two dosage strengths, 50 mg and 100 mg. Patients first starting on Sumitop should take the 50 mg tablets unless a doctor has explicitly stated otherwise. If needed, and no serious adverse effects developed, dosage may be increased. In all cases no more than 200 mg of Sumitop should be taken within 24 hours.

Taking each dose with plenty of fluids will help the tablets be absorbed quicker. Food is optional. Both drinking and eating may be quite difficult if nausea is also present; tablets will still work even without those.

For best results a Sumitop tablet should be taken at the earliest symptoms of a migraine, be that pain, auras, or something else. While timing is important with migraines it's not as critical as with cluster headaches; tablets taken at later stages of a migraine will still provide significant relief, while this is considerably less likely with cluster headaches.

Treatment typically consists of:

• Take one dose at the earliest symptoms of a migraine.
• If pain and/or other symptoms are not sufficiently alleviated, or the headache returns, a second dose may be taken after two hours.
• Do not exceed 200 mg in a 24 hour period.

It often takes around 30 minutes before benefits are felt, and around one hour before maximum benefit is seen. Most patients find Sumitop or other triptan medications effectively minimize migraine headaches. Note that dosage can be quite variable between triptans; be sure the correct dose is being taken if alternating between them.

In some cases Sumitop may become less effective over time. Switching to another non-triptan migraine treatment, or even another administration method with a triptan, may help restore effectiveness. Many patients find it helpful to alternate between two or more medications to preserve effectiveness.

Potential Complications

It's important not to exceed 200 mg of Sumitop per day. Excessive amounts of this medication can produce serious, even potentially fatal, complications, particularly if other medical issues are also present.

Most patients, using Sumitop as directed, experience no side effects or only mild ones. Fewer than 10 percent of patients report:

• Flushing or feeling warm, particularly in the chest area
• Mild dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mild muscle cramps
• Drowsiness

Though rare, some patients experience more serious side effects which call for immediate medical attention:

• Chest pain
• Severe stomach pain
• Fainting
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing

In extremely rare cases severe cardiac events, including heart attack, have been known to occur in patients using this medication. Patients with any history of heart problems, angina, vascular disease, or stroke should not buy Sumitop without first discussing risks with a doctor.

Other medications, such as painkillers, are sometimes taken along with triptan medications. Patients are strongly advised to check with a doctor or pharmacist before doing so; Sumitop is known to interact with some other medications. Of particular concern are:

• SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs and other antidepressants
• Medications containing ergotamine (also a migraine treatment)
• Other medications containing triptans
• St John’s Wort

The effects of Sumitop on unborn or nursing babies are unclear; use should be avoided while pregnant or nursing unless explicitly instructed otherwise by a doctor.