Sumatriptan

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Also indexed as:

Imitrex

Sumatriptan is a member of the selective serotonin receptor agonist family of drugs used to treat, but not prevent, migraine headaches. Sumatriptan is available in injection, nasal spray, and oral tablet forms.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Sumatriptan

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	5-HTP* L-tryptophan*
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

5-HTP and L-tryptophan

Sumatriptan works by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) and L-tryptophan are converted to serotonin in the brain, and taking them with sumatriptan could increase sumatriptan-induced side effects. However, no interactions have yet been reported with sumatriptan and 5-HTP or L-tryptophan.

Other Interactions

Food

Sumatriptan tablets may begin to work faster when taken with fluid on an empty stomach at the first sign of migraine.^{1, 2}

References

1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Agents for Migraine, Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Jun 1996, 256a.
2. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 253.

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Last Review: 01-21-2009

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.

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