Triptans
Also known as: triptan, 5-HT1 agonists for migraine
Triptans are medicines for treating migraine attacks, and sumatriptan is the triptan covered on this site. The NHS says sumatriptan relieves symptoms of migraine but does not prevent migraines from starting. The NHS describes sumatriptan as available as tablets, a nasal spray and an injection. The NHS says most adults can take sumatriptan, that it is not officially approved for children, and that a specialist doctor may sometimes prescribe it for a child.
- Also called
- triptan, 5-HT1 agonists for migraine
Mechanism of action
The NHS says migraines may be linked to temporarily widened blood vessels in the brain, and that sumatriptan narrows these blood vessels. Sumatriptan is a triptan, a type of medicine that acts on serotonin (5-HT) receptors. It is taken once a headache has started, not to prevent attacks. Taking sumatriptan with some antidepressants or St John's wort can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome, a severe side effect.
Members of the class
Members with a page on this site are linked.
Conditions treated
Class effects
- Feeling or being sick and dizziness are among the common side effects the NHS lists.
- Flushing and tiredness are also listed.
- Reactions where the injection is given or with the nasal spray can occur.
- Most people have no side effects or only minor ones, and serious reactions are rare.
Cautions
- Heart problems, a past stroke or transient ischaemic attack, circulation problems in the legs and liver disease are listed by the NHS as reasons sumatriptan may not be suitable.
- Combining sumatriptan with some antidepressants or St John's wort can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome, according to the NHS and UK leaflets.
- The NHS lists high blood pressure as a reason sumatriptan may not be suitable, although it may be possible if blood pressure is now well controlled by treatment.
- The NHS says sumatriptan is not taken together with ergotamine or other triptans.
- The NHS says sumatriptan can be used in pregnancy if needed, with the doctor weighing risks and benefits.
- The NHS advises against driving, cycling or using machinery if dizzy or drowsy after sumatriptan.
- The NHS lists a severe allergic reaction and symptoms of a heart attack as possible serious reactions that need a 999 call, and says to call NHS 111 for other serious side effects.
- NHS Scotland guidance on medication overuse in headache recommends limiting how often acute treatments, including triptans, are used.
Class interactions
Open the Drug Interaction Checker
Connected pages in detail
What each linked page on Anatomy Nexus covers, in a line, for Triptans.
Conditions
- Migraine A recurrent headache disorder with attacks of moderate to severe throbbing pain, typically one-sided, lasting 4 to 72 hours.
Medications
- Sumatriptan Sumatriptan is a medicine used to treat migraines and cluster headaches once an attack has begun, and it does not stop migraines from starting.