Sumatriptan Vs. Zolmitriptan: Which Is The Best Migraine Medication For You

Sumatriptan Vs. Zolmitriptan: Which Is The Best Migraine Medication For You

Migraines are complex neurological conditions that often make it hard to concentrate on anything else when experienced. These severe headaches are common and, according to the NHS, affect around one in every five women and one in every fifteen men. 

Alongside the pain, migraines can often come with symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sounds. This article will compare Sumatriptan Vs. Zolmitriptan and help you discover which is best for you.

What Are Triptans

Triptans are a group of medications used in treating headaches or migraines. It is important to note that these tryptamine-based drugs can’t prevent migraines, but they can treat them once it starts. 

Zolmitriptan and Sumatriptan are examples of drugs that belong to the Triptan group. It was introduced in the 1990s, and despite not being designed to relieve other types of pain, it can help with headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Usually, if one triptan does not work for you or causes side effects, your doctor will likely prescribe you another. Still, let’s look at the difference between these two triptans below. 

What Is Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist medication. It works by blocking substances that cause pain. Thus, it is a fast-acting relief medication for migraine. It contains a similar active ingredient, Sumatriptan Succinate, to the branded Imigran.

How Does Sumatriptan Work

Sumatriptan is not designed to prevent a migraine attack or a painkiller. Instead, it is meant to help relieve a migraine attack that is already happening. This is possible by the active ingredient, Sumatriptan Succinate, which stimulates the brain’s serotonin receptors, and narrows blood vessels in the brain.

Widen brain blood vessels are considered a primary cause of migraine. Thus, this medication reverses this cause, and the blood vessels return to their original size. As such, it blocks the release of certain substances that cause pain and stops pain signals from being sent to the brain.

How To Use Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a migraine medication that comes as a tablet. It is made for adults, not children, and should only be taken at the sign of a migraine, not before the symptoms. It is important to note that its ingredients are only active for relief while experiencing the migraine and not to prevent or treat it.  

You can use the tablet with or without food. Usually, your doctor will tell you the maximum number of tablets you can use in a day, but the standard maximum dose of Sumatriptan allowed in 24 hours is 200mg, equivalent to two 100mg or four 50mg tablets a day. Still, it would be best to use your Sumatriptan precisely as directed. 

If the first dose is effective and symptoms improve but return after two hours or more, you should use a second dose. Otherwise, do not take a second dose without contacting your doctor. You should also call your doctor if headaches occur more frequently while taking Sumatriptan.

Side Effects Of Sumatriptan

While Sumatriptan is an effective anti-relief for migraines, it has some side effects that might vary for different users. Still, below are some of its typical side effects.

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Feeling cold or warm
• Flushing
• Muscle cramps
• Vomiting
• Breathing difficulties. 

What Is Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is also a popular migraine medication. It contains the active ingredient Sumatriptan Succinate used in treating migraine attacks. It is sold under Zomig, amongst others.

How Does Zolmitriptan Works?

Zolmitriptan is a member of selective serotonin receptor agonist medications. Similarly, it works by stimulating the receptors, which reverses the swelling of blood vessels in the brain. Also, it stops the release of natural substances that causes the symptoms of migraine and prevents pain signals from being sent to the brain. 

As such, Zolmitriptan provides a fast relief during a migraine. Fortunately, this migraine relief medication has a variety of choices, such as the orodispersible and nasal spray, which makes it even more appealing to users who do not like tablets.

How To Use Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is not recommended for children or anyone under the age of 18. However, you could take it with or without food. Note that Zolmitriptan is not a preventive medication and shouldn’t be used before a migraine; you should use it at the first sign. 

The dosage of this medication should be based on your medical condition and other medications you might be using. So ensure that you follow your doctor’s dosage. The maximum dosage of Zolmitriptan is 10mg in 24 hours. Hence, you can take around four 2.5mg doses or two 5mg doses daily. If you are directed not to use more than 5mg daily, follow your doctor’s prescription.

We advise starting with a smaller dose of Zolmitriptan and if you have heart problems, ensure you inform your doctor. You may take another dose if your symptoms reoccur two hours later. If the first dose doesn’t help, contact your doctor before using a second dose. You mustn’t exceed the prescribed mg. 

Side Effects Of Zolmitriptan 

According to WebMD, many people using Zolmitriptan do not have serious side effects, but the common ones may include:

• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Heartburn
• A temporary rise in blood pressure.

Sumatriptan Vs. Zolmitriptan, which is the best for you?

Zolmitriptan and Sumatriptan are both effective medications for relieving migraines. However, your best one might differ based on your current medications, allergies, and medical history. Many people prefer Zolmitriptan over Sumatriptan, despite working faster because it has fewer side effects.