Side Effects of sumatriptan: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Side Effects of sumatriptan
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of sumatriptan: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of sumatriptan: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Sumatriptan, a commonly used medication for migraine headaches, has been shown to be effective in treating migraine attacks. However, a significant proportion of patients experience side effects. 13 A study on sumatriptan's effects on muscle energy metabolism revealed that it can cause temporary reduction in mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle, potentially leading to heaviness of the limbs, chest tightness, and muscle aches and pains. 2 This effect was more pronounced in patients with migraine with aura compared to those without aura. 2 Additionally, sumatriptan can cause nausea and vomiting in some patients. 26 Further research is needed to explore the potential cardiovascular side effects of sumatriptan, especially for patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Reasons for Side Effects

Sumatriptan's side effects are primarily related to its vasoconstrictive properties. By acting as a 5-HT agonist, it constricts blood vessels, which can affect both peripheral and central circulation. This vasoconstriction can lead to symptoms like limb heaviness, chest tightness, and muscle aches. 2 Additionally, sumatriptan's impact on the digestive system, possibly through its effects on serotonin receptors, can contribute to nausea and vomiting. 26

Common Side Effects

Heaviness of the Limbs, Chest Tightness, and Muscle Aches

A common side effect of sumatriptan, especially with higher doses, is a feeling of heaviness in the limbs, chest tightness, and muscle aches. This is likely due to the vasoconstrictive effect of sumatriptan on skeletal muscle, leading to reduced oxygen storage and mitochondrial function. 2

Nausea and Vomiting

Sumatriptan can also cause nausea and vomiting. This side effect may be related to its impact on the digestive system, although the precise mechanism is not fully understood. 26

Other Side Effects

Other reported side effects of sumatriptan include tingling or burning sensations, particularly in areas exposed to heat or sunburn. 3 In rare cases, sumatriptan may cause more severe side effects, such as heart problems, stroke, or allergic reactions.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Heaviness of the Limbs, Chest Tightness, and Muscle Aches

If you experience these side effects, it's recommended to rest and monitor your symptoms. If they persist or worsen, seek medical advice.

Nausea and Vomiting

Staying hydrated, resting, and avoiding large meals can help manage nausea and vomiting. If these symptoms are severe or persistent, consult your doctor.

Other Side Effects

For any other side effects, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and management.

Comparison Between Studies

Similarities in Studies

Several studies consistently demonstrate that triptans, including sumatriptan, are highly effective in treating acute migraine attacks, leading to significant improvements in quality of life and reducing the socioeconomic burden of the disease. 17 15 However, these studies also highlight the presence of side effects, which can vary in severity and frequency among individuals.

Differences in Studies

Research on sumatriptan's side effects reveals differences in their frequency and type. While some studies emphasize the commonality of limb heaviness, chest tightness, and muscle aches, others focus on gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting. 2 26 These discrepancies may be attributed to factors such as participant characteristics, research methodologies, and the specific formulations of sumatriptan used.

Notes on Real-Life Applications

Sumatriptan is an effective treatment for migraine headaches, but it's important to be aware of the potential side effects. Before starting sumatriptan, consult your doctor to discuss your individual health history, potential risks, and appropriate management options. If you experience any side effects, communicate with your healthcare provider promptly.

Limitations of Current Research

While a significant body of research exists on sumatriptan's efficacy and side effects, there is still a need for further investigation, particularly in regards to long-term use, its impact on different subgroups of migraine patients, and its interactions with other medications.

Future Research Directions

Future research on sumatriptan should focus on:

  • Long-term studies to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of sumatriptan.
  • Studies on specific subgroups, including patients with different migraine subtypes, those with co-morbidities, and those on concurrent medications.
  • Development of new delivery systems or formulations of sumatriptan that may reduce side effects.
  • Further exploration of the potential for combining sumatriptan with other migraine therapies, such as CGRP receptor antagonists or new generation ditans.

Conclusion

Sumatriptan remains a valuable treatment for migraine headaches. While side effects are a potential concern, they are generally manageable. Open and honest communication with your doctor about your medical history and any concerns you may have is crucial to ensure the safest and most effective treatment for you.

Literature analysis of 28 papers
Positive Content
26
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
1
Article Type
2
1
1
5
27
1.

Pilot study evaluating preference for 3-mg versus 6-mg subcutaneous sumatriptan.

Author: LandyStephen H, McGinnisJudy E, McDonaldSusan A

Improved migraine tolerability
Reduced migraine frequency
Reduced migraine pain
Side effects

A lower dose of subcutaneous sumatriptan (3 mg) was preferred by 80% of patients compared to the standard dose (6 mg) for treatment of migraine attacks.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

2.

Effects of the anti-migraine drug sumatriptan on muscle energy metabolism: relationship to side-effects.

Author: BoskaM D, WelchK M, SchultzL, NelsonJ

Migraine relief
Chest heaviness
Heaviness
Muscle aches and pains
Muscle vasoconstriction

Sumatriptan succinate is associated with mild vasoconstriction in peripheral skeletal muscle, which is likely to be the source of the side-effects experienced by some users.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

3.

The site of common side effects of sumatriptan.

Author: SolomonS, LiptonR B, NewmanL C

Atypical sensations

Atypical sensations following subcutaneous sumatriptan were experienced by two patients, suggesting that these side effects may be generated superficially in the skin.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

5.

Management of cluster headache: Treatments and their mechanisms.

Author: PengKuan-Po, BurishMark J

Cluster headache management
Improved quality of life
Cluster headache
Side effects

This article provides an overview of the management of cluster headache, including both acute and preventive treatment options. The article highlights the increasing use of neuromodulation techniques, both invasive and non-invasive, for cluster headache treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

Clinical characteristics and treatment patterns of patients with episodic cluster headache: results from the United States, United Kingdom and Germany.

Author: CottonSarah, AndrewsJeffrey S, NicholsRussell M, JacksonJames, Tockhorn-HeidenreichAntje, MilliganGary, MartinezJames M

Cluster headache management
Lack of efficacy
Tolerability issues

Episodic cluster headache (CH) patients had high use of acute treatments, but only half of patients used preventive treatments despite experiencing several cluster periods per year with multiple cluster attacks per day.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

7.

The efficacy and safety of metoclopramide in relieving acute migraine attacks compared with other anti-migraine drugs: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Author: AbdelmonemHanaa, AbdelhayHebatallah Mohamed, AbdelwadoudGehad Taha, AlhosiniAmira Naser Mohammed, AhmedAhmed Eissa, MohamedSamaher Walied, Al-DarderyNada Mostafa, Abd-ElGawadMohamed, KamelMohamed Abdelmonem

Headache relief
Reduced nausea
Extrapyramidal symptoms

This study compared the effectiveness of metoclopramide with other antimigraine drugs. Metoclopramide was effective in reducing headache outcomes, particularly when administered intravenously. Compared to other active drugs, metoclopramide showed a lower significant effect compared with granisetron regarding headache change but showed significantly higher effects only with placebo in rescue medication needs and headache-free symptoms.

Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

8.

Place of next generation acute migraine specific treatments among triptans, non-responders and contraindications to triptans and possible combination therapies.

Author: de BoerIrene, VerhagenIris Elsa, SouzaMarcio Nattan Portes, AshinaMessoud

migraine treatment
cardiovascular safety
medication overuse headache

This review summarizes the literature on next-generation acute migraine therapies, including ditans (lasmiditan) and gepants (rimegepant and ubrogepant), as alternatives to triptans. While the new therapies show promise, head-to-head trials are needed to determine their place in migraine treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

10.

Pharmacotherapeutic management of trigeminal neuropathic pain: an update.

Author: PergolizziJoseph V, GhariboChristopher, MagnussonPeter, BreveFrank, LeQuangJo Ann, VarrassiGiustino

Effective treatment for trigeminal neuropathy
Side effects

There is no optimal pharmacotherapy for treating trigeminal neuropathy, but advancements in our understanding of the condition and drug development offer promise for NaV inhibitors.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

13.

Pharmacokinetics study of chitosan-coated liposomes containing sumatriptan in the treatment of migraine.

Author: AssadpourSara, AkhtariJavad, ShiranMohammad Reza

Enhanced bioavailability

A novel delivery system for sumatriptan succinate using nanoliposomes coated by chitosan was developed to enhance bioavailability and potentially reduce side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

15.

[Sumatriptan 3 mg subcutaneous : Clinical relevance of acute treatment of migraine despite dose reduction].

Author: GaulCharly, FörderreutherStefanie

Reduced pain
Chest pressure
Dizziness
Paresthesia

Subcutaneous sumatriptan is effective in treating migraine attacks, with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 2.3 for freedom from pain within 2 hours. Reducing the dose to 3 mg improved tolerability compared to 6 mg.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : German

17.

Twenty-five years of triptans - a nationwide population study.

Author: DavidssonOlafur B, OlofssonIsa A, KogelmanLisette Ja, AndersenMichael Asger, RostgaardKlaus, HjalgrimHenrik, OlesenJes, HansenThomas Folkmann

Migraine treatment
Triptan overuse

This nationwide register-based cohort study in Denmark found that triptan use increased significantly over a 25-year period, but adherence rates were low, likely due to disappointing efficacy and/or unpleasant side effects. Rates of triptan overuse also increased.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

18.

Selective targeting of peripheral cannabinoid receptors prevents behavioral symptoms and sensitization of trigeminal neurons in mouse models of migraine and medication overuse headache.

Author: YamamotoToru, MulpuriYatendra, IzraylevMikhail, LiQianyi, SimonianMenooa, KrammeChristian, SchmidtBrian L, SeltzmanHerbert H, SpigelmanIgor

Alleviates migraine
Reduces hypersensitivity

Peripherally restricted cannabinoids (PRCBs) show promise in treating migraine and medication overuse headache. In mouse models, PRCBs prevented behavioral and biochemical correlates of sensitization induced by glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) or sumatriptan, suggesting potential for treating these conditions without central nervous system side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

23.

Pharmacotherapy for Cluster Headache.

Author: BrandtRoemer B, DoesborgPatty G G, HaanJoost, FerrariMichel D, FronczekRolf

Cluster headache treatment
Cardiac side effects
Liver and kidney effects

Cluster headache is a severe type of headache characterized by intense pain on one side of the head. Treatment options include abortive medications (such as sumatriptan and high-flow oxygen), preventive medications (such as verapamil and lithium), and transitional treatments (such as greater occipital nerve injection).

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

24.

Sumatriptan Does Not Antagonize CGRP-Induced Symptoms in Healthy Volunteers.

Author: FalkenbergKatrine, Rønde BjergHelene, YamaniNooshin, OlesenJes

Drug testing model

This study aimed to validate CGRP-induced headache as a model for drug testing by investigating the effect of sumatriptan against CGRP-induced symptoms in healthy volunteers and migraine patients.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Validation StudyResearch to assess the validity and reliability of new measurement methods or diagnostic tests.

Language : English

26.

Topically applied linoleic/linolenic acid for chronic migraine.

Author: SantosClarissa, WeaverDonald F

Migraine relief

This case report describes a woman with chronic migraine who found relief from using safflower oil, rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, topically. The findings suggest that topical application of these fatty acids may offer a safe and effective prophylactic treatment for migraine.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

27.

Survey Analysis of the Use, Effectiveness, and Patient-Reported Tolerability of Inhaled Oxygen Compared With Injectable Sumatriptan for the Acute Treatment of Cluster Headache.

Author: SchindlerEmmanuelle A D, WrightDouglas A, WeilMarsha J, GottschalkChristopher H, PittmanBrian P, SicoJason J

Effective headache treatment
Multiple daily doses
Limited access
Triptan side effects

Inhaled oxygen at high flow rates (≥10 L/min) had comparable efficacy to injectable sumatriptan for the acute treatment of cluster headache. The reasons for improved oxygen response in men and those with a history of smoking require further study.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

28.

Orally inhaled migraine therapy: Where are we now?

Author: StapletonKevin W

Faster onset of action
Fewer side effects

Migraine is a debilitating disease with limited treatment options. Orally inhaled therapies are a potential area of development that could offer faster onset of action and fewer side effects compared to current treatments.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.