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A migraine is a recurring (usually) one-sided, pulsating headache. Migraine attacks can last anywhere from 4 hours to 3 days. Depending on the severity of the disease, pain may take different forms and intensity, and intensify under the influence of physical exertion, mental work or experienced emotions.
The most common symptoms accompanying migraine headaches are: photophobia, excessive sensitivity to sound and smell stimuli, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and aura sensation. The latter symptom is specific to migraine headaches and occurs in 10% of migraine sufferers. The aura includes: pins and needles, visual field defects, spots in front of the eyes, speech problems and paresis.
It is estimated that in 60-65% of patients the occurrence of migraine headaches may be of genetic origin, in the form of a predisposition to hypersensitive neurovascular reactions. Statistically, migraines are more common in women: the annual incidence is 25% for women and 10% for men (middle-aged). The number of migraine attacks in women decreases significantly after the menopause.
Treatment of migraine consists in taking medications that act: (1) prophylactically and (2) temporarily, in order to reduce unpleasant symptoms. Additionally, some people use specific diets and herbal remedies to treat migraines. The drugs used include: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiemetic drugs, sedatives and strictly anti-migraine drugs. The latter include Sumamigren, a drug intended for the immediate fight against migraine attacks.
Sumamigren – composition and action
The main active ingredient of Sumamigren is sumatriptan, an organic chemical compound belonging to the tryptamines group. It is a selective agonist of neuron receptors, which when activated lead to the release and reduction of serotonin synthesis. Sumatriptan attaches to receptors, and then causes a decrease in the activity of adenylate cyclase and an increase in the level of calcium ions in the cells. As a result, sumatriptan causes spasm in the extracranial and intracranial vessels of the brain, which dilate during migraine attacks. In many cases, this leads to the inhibition of unpleasant sensations without causing disturbances in blood flow in the brain. Sumatriptan is used not only to treat migraines but also to treat cluster headache.
Sumamigren – form and reception
Sumamigren is a prescription-only drug. It is produced in the form of coated tablets, containing 50 or 100 mg of sumatriptan, intended for oral administration. The number of tablets to be taken is determined by the prescribing physician. Most often, Sumamigren is taken as soon as the first symptoms of a migraine appear. In case of severe pain, you can take another tablet 2 hours later. The medicine should be drunk whole, without chewing or crushing the tablets. It is not suitable for the prophylactic treatment of migraine attacks.
Available packages include: 6 tablets of 50 mg (about PLN 32), 2 tablets of 100 g (about PLN 43) or 6 tablets of 100 g (about PLN 50).
Safety measures when taking Sumamigren
As with all medications, Sumamigren cannot be taken by all patients. First of all, it should not be taken by: people allergic to sumatriptan, people suffering from diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, people with liver or kidney disorders.
In addition, taking Sumamigren is not recommended when the patient is treated with ergotamine, moclobemide, selegiline, monoacminoxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or St. John’s wort preparations.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor about the possibility of using Sumamigren. In some cases, it is allowed to take the drug during pregnancy. Young mothers should refrain from breastfeeding while taking Sumamigren.
Taking Sumamigreu may also cause potential side effects. The most common are:
- a tingling sensation all over the skin,
- dizziness,
- feeling sleepy
- increase in blood pressure,
- flushing of the face
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- abdominal pain,
- feeling hot
- feeling of tension or pressure in various parts of the body
- feeling tired, general weakness.
The less common side effects of taking Sumamigren include:
- changes in liver enzymes
- skin hypersensitivity,
- anaphylactic shock,
- seizures
- trembling,
- dystonia,
- nystagmus,
- blurred vision,
- Heart arythmia,
- spasms of the coronary vessels,
- hypotension,
- Raynaud’s syndrome,
- myocardial infarction,
- ischemic colitis.
Due to the possible influence of Sumamigren on the functioning of the mind, it is not recommended to drive vehicles and operate machinery and equipment after taking it.
- Producer: Polpharma
- Form, dose, package: Film-coated tablets, 50 or 100 mg, 2-6 tablets
- Availability category: Pr
- Active substance: Sumatriptan