TriptanPrescription only
Sumatriptan
Tablet, nasal spray or injection
Quick Summary
Sumatriptan narrows blood vessels and blocks pain pathways in migraine.
Migraine attacks
Cluster headache
Medical Uses
Migraine attacks: With or without aura.
Cluster headache: Injection or nasal spray.
How it's taken
Take at the start of the headache; a second dose may be allowed if it comes back.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Tingling and warmth
Common.
Chest tightness
Usually harmless, but report it.
Drowsiness
Sometimes.
Interactions
Other antidepressants, tramadol and triptans
Risk of serotonin syndrome.
Critical Warnings
Heart disease or stroke
Black Box Warning: Not suitable.
Overuse
Can cause more frequent headaches.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Sumatriptan: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Sumatriptan: medicine to treat migraines(opens in a new tab) · NHS