What is sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist that is used in the treatment (but not prevention) of migraine headaches, which are severe, throbbing headaches that may cause nausea or sensitivity to light or sounds and are sometimes accompanied by an aura. Auras consist of changes in vision patterns (flashing lights, dark or blind spots and wavy lines) or strange feelings just before the onset of a migraine headache.

Sumatriptan relieves pain from migraine headaches by narrowing blood vessels in the brain. It is available by prescription only and comes in the form of a tablet, a nasal spray and an injection.