How Long Does Sumatriptan Stay In Your System?

Sumatriptan succinate is a revolutionary active ingredient and a migraine management medicine. The quick mechanism and excretion help treat episodic migraine attacks and make it the first choice of treatment. Sumatriptan does not stay for an extended period due to this.

Migraine is indeed a frustrating part in the daily life of people. The pain sometimes becomes so intense that you cannot even focus on your scheduled task and end up in the circumstances. Sumatriptan has changed how to deal with the pain and has provided great relief to people (Goldstein, J., 2014).

It is always better to know the details of medicine, like how it works, how long it stays, what precautions to take, etc. To cater these doubts, a legit source is needed. Here, we try to answer all your doubts and questions. Let's Read

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) - Migraine Killer

Till now, we got a short intro to Sumatriptan. Let's understand it thoroughly.

Sumatriptan belongs to a drug class called "Triptans," used to treat migraines and cluster headaches. The drug class was formed in the 1990s, and FDA approved Sumatriptan on 28th December 1992. It's cool to know about history.

It is not available over the counter as it is a prescription-based medicine even though you can buy sumatriptan (Imitrex) online or just get over the counter sumatriptan but it is recommended to get doctor's prescription first.

How Sumatriptan Works?

The Sumatriptan working mechanism is easy to understand. Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor that stops the pain signals from reaching the brain (Plosker, G.L. and McTavish, D., 1994).

We can say that it works like serotonin to communicate and relax the overactive nerve cells and endings. So how long does it take to effect?

Forms And Strengths Of Sumatriptan 

Sumatriptan comes in several forms like Tablets, Injections, and Nasal Spray. Different forms bring different times. The Tablet takes about 30 to 60 minutes to deploy its effects. The injection takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and nasal spray after 15 mins.

How Long Does (Imitrex) Sumatriptan Stay In Your System?

Sumatriptan is a short-acting medicine. It is excreted about 22 percent through urine and 40 percent through feces. The absorption is quick enough to push out of the system.

Sumatriptan has a half-life of 2 hours and gets fully eliminated in 10 hours. The method of administration also defines its half-life and elimination.

Below are the administration types and the half-life.

• Subcutaneous (In The Skin): 1.9 hours
• Oral Tablets (Tablets): 1.7 hours
• Rectal (Space close to anus and intestines): 1.8 hours
• Intranasal: 1.8 hour

The Answer: Sumatriptan stays about 10 hours in the system.

Side Effects Of Sumatriptan

Medicines' side effects are the outcomes of overuse, other interactions, diseases, etc. Sumatriptan side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• High Blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Vertigo
• Runny Nose
• Serotonin syndrome
• Overuse headaches etc.

Interactions Of Sumatriptan

The medicines that interacts with Sumatriptan

• Tramadol
• Opioid
• Cetirizine
• Cymbalta
• Sertraline
• Hypertension medication
• Depressants etc.

Can You Take Sumatriptan For Long-Term Purposes?

No, Sumatriptan is not recommended for long-term use. It is a short-acting drug prescribed for migraine pain management.

Using it continuously for an extended period can lead you to depend on it during Migraine attacks. The effectiveness can also be decreased and can result in headaches.

Did Sumatriptan Affect Pregnant Or Breastfeeding Women?

Sumatriptan is also prescribed for pregnant ladies with special conditions. There is no proper study present that explains how it affects the fetus. Still, without consultation, don’t try this medicine.

A small amount of Sumatriptan is released in breast milk but found no effect on the baby. Please consider visiting your healthcare expert for your betterment.

Sumatriptan Doses

Sumatriptan is bifurcated into its forms and also on the condition type:

For Migraine:

Form: Tablet

Strength: 25-100 mg once a day, if necessary. A patient can take the second dose soon after 2 hours. Not to exceed 200 mg per day.

Form: Nasal Spray

Strength: 5-20mg once , spray 5 mg in both nostrils. The 2nd dose is taken soon after 2 hours if necessary.

For Cluster Headaches:

Form: Injection

Strength: 3-6mg, 1 hour of a gap is necessary if 2nd dose is prescribed.

What If You Become Dependent On Sumatriptan?

Dependence on medicine can increase the intake of the treatment, leading to overdose or addiction. There are chances of rebounding headaches and headaches due to overuse. The body will build a pattern about migraine and the medicine. Soon, the treatment will also become obsolete for you.

It is always good to avoid using Sumatriptan for the long term. Instead, users can also tackle migraines by changing lifestyles, food, sleep cycle, etc.

Conclusion

Migraine pain management methods have developed effectively. Sumatriptan is a result of such progress. Its immediate effect and less excretion time make it a good choice.

Sumatriptan comes in different formats, and such differences decide how much time it will stay in the system. Although the working mechanism also plays a vital role in eliminating the system.

At last, follow the prescribed patterns to avoid overdose.