sumatriptan
Acute headache relief
Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraines and cluster headaches.
It works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and blocking pain signals.
Sold under the brand name Imitrex, it comes in tablet, nasal spray, and injection forms: I keep sumatriptan in my bag in case a migraine hits.
Severe neurological head pain
- acuteIntensely severe or perceptive
- cluster headachesRecurring severe unilateral pain attacks
- headacheCranial pain
- abortiveFailed before completion
attack · episode · rescue medication · rebound · prevention · second dose · efficacy
Perceived emanation surrounding someone
- throbbingRhythmic painful pulsing
- poundingForceful repeated striking
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
- photophobiaAbnormal aversion to brightness
phonophobia · debilitating · neurological · sensitivity · vomiting · visual disturbance · unilateral · prodrome
Flat portable computing device
- injectionSyringe-delivered dose
- nasal sprayAerosolized nostril medication
- subcutaneousBelow the skin
- oralOf the mouth
dose · prescription · pharmacy · autoinjector · fast-acting · onset · intranasal · dosage
Arterial walls contracting inward
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- half-lifePeriod for fifty-percent reduction
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
- blood-brain barrierProtective cerebral filtration system
Pressure in torso cavity
- tinglingSlight stinging sensation
- flushingWashing by water surge
- drowsinessState of near-sleep
- dizzinessUnsteady, spinning sensation
paresthesia · fatigue · warmth · heaviness · throat tightness · numbness
Reasons to avoid treatment
- cardiovascularOf heart and blood vessels
- hypertensionChronic elevated arterial pressure
- drug interactionsSubstances altering each other's effects
- SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
migraine
Severe neurological head pain
- acuteIntensely severe or perceptive
- cluster headachesRecurring severe unilateral pain attacks
- headacheCranial pain
abortive · attack · episode · rescue medication · rebound · prevention · second dose · efficacy
aura
Perceived emanation surrounding someone
- throbbingRhythmic painful pulsing
- poundingForceful repeated striking
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
photophobia · phonophobia · debilitating · neurological · sensitivity · vomiting · visual disturbance · unilateral · prodrome
tablet
Flat portable computing device
- injectionSyringe-delivered dose
- nasal sprayAerosolized nostril medication
- subcutaneousBelow the skin
oral · dose · prescription · pharmacy · autoinjector · fast-acting · onset · intranasal · dosage
vasoconstriction
Arterial walls contracting inward
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- half-lifePeriod for fifty-percent reduction
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
chest tightness
Pressure in torso cavity
- tinglingSlight stinging sensation
- flushingWashing by water surge
- drowsinessState of near-sleep
dizziness · paresthesia · fatigue · warmth · heaviness · throat tightness · numbness
contraindications
Reasons to avoid treatment
- cardiovascularOf heart and blood vessels
- hypertensionChronic elevated arterial pressure
- drug interactionsSubstances altering each other's effects
SSRIs · coronary artery disease · stroke risk · pregnancy · overuse
sumatriptanamitriptyline
Tricyclic mood disorder medication
botulinum toxin · beta blockers · valproate · anticonvulsants