Sumatriptan and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Mig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2019

For Migraine "I am medication sensitive and was scared to take sumatriptan based on reviews. It was totally fine. Minimal side effects, just fatigue—but who wants to stay awake during a migraine. I get a great sleep. Sometimes I have a bit of a migraine/medication hangover and am groggy. It’s still much better than curling up in a dark room in bed, crying with an ice pack on your head, wondering if you’re having a stroke or if it’s just a migraine. Take it early when you first notice symptoms! Sometimes I take it with Tylenol. So glad I found this!"

• xza...
• June 26, 2013

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I completely rely on Imitrex. Once I had this, the daylong headaches are gone. I now know that what I used to call 'sinus headaches' were migraines I had since a teenager, though not bad until into my 40s. My side effects are a little sleepiness and maybe some tiredness, but nothing compared to the debilitation of a migraine. However, I am much more aggressive with eliminating triggers, particularly MSG and processed foods, and this helps. My better diet has reduced my need for Imitrex down to 2-3 times a month."

• Cyn...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 15, 2014

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I have suffered from migraines all my life, and I am now 57. I was prescribed Imitrex at age 39, and the first dose of 50 mg gave me a tightness in my throat, but it stopped the migraine. I suffered with them every day. I finally figured out that MSG in food was the biggest cause of the migraine. MSG is disguised by many names, but I have eliminated a lot of food, and with the help of Imitrex, I can live an almost normal life without a migraine. Imitrex sometimes makes me sleep a lot, and other times I sleep for about 30 minutes, and I'm fine. I praise the makers of Imitrex because nothing else would completely take the pain away!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 8, 2018

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I only use this when I am incapacitated from migraine pain (I get it behind my left eye and can’t open it, have a hard time walking/talking, and end up vomiting). It relieves the physical pain, and I am able to see, walk, and talk, but I am still pretty much down for the count. It says you can take it every 2 hours, but MAN, 1 dose and I feel it for the rest of the day. I get very drowsy, my eyes get droopy, and it feels like I’m walking underwater...or through thick honey. Everything feels so heavy. My speech is slower. I get waves of nausea. Once I take it, I’m home for the day—no way would I feel comfortable driving. The side effects can be tough for sure, but I will take them over the bad migraine pain any day. I am always thankful I took it, even if I have to be confined to the couch for 4-6 hours."

• Jen...
• October 18, 2019

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I almost always get migraines around my period or times of extreme stress. I was getting a migraine that began as nausea, hot flashes, dizziness, and weakness the entire day. That night the pain started, so I took 25 mg Imitrex. In 90 minutes, the pain was gone. I felt some pressure where the pain had been and couldn’t lay on that side. A week later, I feel another migraine come on, and I wasn’t sure it was a migraine until the nausea came. I took Imitrex again, and the pain went away after 2 hours, but then I got super drowsy and fell asleep and woke up an hour later shaky and anxious. I had not had a good night's sleep the day before, so those symptoms may be attributed to lack of sleep, but they went away after a few hours. I did try Imitrex in the middle of a migraine with nausea, blurry vision, severe pain, and it didn’t help. I was discouraged and did not take a second dose that time. I suggest taking Imitrex as soon as you feel pain."

• LoH...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 31, 2016

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I have suffered from migraines for many years. Before I started using Imitrex (about 15 years ago), some migraines would affect me for days. I missed out on so much back then. Imitrex changed that. I normally can take one dose and get complete relief in an hour. The only side effect that I have ever suffered is sleepiness, but it's not so severe that I can't take Imitrex while working if a migraine strikes. This medication has been a lifesaver for me and changed my quality of life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 10, 2016

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I suffered from migraines since I was 10 and am now 38. Mine are triggered by stress and monthly hormone fluctuations. I first tried Imitrex when I was 21, and it made me so dizzy I couldn't stand. Recently, I tried it again when I was having a migraine at work, and it was so bad I went to the emergency room, afraid I was having a stroke. I used to take OTC meds and isolate myself in a dark, quiet room. My migraines kept me from enjoying important events with my children. This drug has been life-changing. I have experienced some sleepiness as a side effect, but nothing that makes me non-functional."

• Mik...
• December 26, 2018

For Migraine "Migraines impacted school and work, and honestly I felt hopeless when experiencing them. I would see things that made me scared, feel intense tingling sensations, and nausea. My triggers are so far: dairy, caffeine, neck stiffness, dehydration. When I do get a migraine, I only take 1/3 to 1/4 of the pill. I'm petite frame and sensitive, and taking the full pill knocked me on the floor useless for about 5 hours (feeling very heavy and high/out of it). Side effects I notice are: drowsy, slow, heavy, numbness in throat, sensitivity to hot water, which is mostly noticeable for about 2 hours. Ideally, I will take one when I am able to either nap or go to bed for the night, and I wake up feeling great. If I take one during the day, I will absolutely avoid driving or operating any machinery (at work)."

• Jad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2022

For Migraine "I mean, it works, but at what cost? I've only taken this medication twice and won't be taking it again. Both times, about half an hour after I took it, I started to get extremely agitated and grumpy at everything, and my migraine worsened tenfold. All of the muscles in my body begin to ache terribly and almost feel like they are pulsating. I also get extremely drowsy - almost delirious. About an hour or two later, the migraine and side effects are gone, but only after going through hours of agony. I don't think it's worth it. I'd rather have a migraine. It's scary!"

• ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 12, 2017

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I avoid taking Imitrex if I can because I experience so many side effects from it. I get jaw and shoulder pain/stiffness, pain in the back of my neck and scalp, headaches, drowsiness, and I just generally feel weird and awful after taking it. After 2 hours or so, my migraine goes away and the awful-ness of the Imitrex lessens, so that is why I do take it occasionally. Every time I take it, I'm reminded of how badly I need to find something else."

• Qua...
• March 27, 2016

For Migraine "I've been using sumatriptan for my menstrual migraines for 5 years or so now. I'm 24 years old. Although I get several of the listed side effects (muscle weakness, tingling and burning sensation, drowsiness to name a few), it works so quickly at getting rid of the pain. I couldn't be without it now. The side effects only last an hour or so, so it's completely worth it."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2020

For Migraine "21 yo male at the time of writing. Been having migraines for the past 5 years, at worst once or twice a month. 2 years back, I started taking sumatriptan on doctor's advice, and it works magic. Tends to make me drowsy and a bit dizzy/light-headed for 6-8 hours, but the pain and light/sound sensitivity dissipates within 30 min. The only advice I'd give is to NOT take them and go back to sleep, my body enters some form of giga-sleep where it refuses to wake up at anything less than vigorous physical shaking. Might be just me though. Definitely recommend the med otherwise."

• Jma...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2019

For Migraine "I've been having migraines, so the doc put me on 25 mg of Imitrex. It makes you very tired and drowsy, so I wouldn't suggest taking it at work or when driving. It got rid of the migraine, but had horrible side effects. I took it Saturday at noon, and here it is Monday morning, and I still feel panicky, nauseous, very tired, and feel like I'm having a panic attack. I won't be taking it again."

• lil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 18, 2015

For Migraine "This is the best medication I have tried for crippling migraines. As long as it is taken at the first sign of a true migraine, Imitrex completely takes away the pain and nausea, but it does cause extreme drowsiness and the feelings of a hangover the next day (IMO, both side effects are definitely better than a migraine!)."

• Mum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2017

For Migraine "(UK) My 13-year-old daughter (petite and very light) started getting monthly migraines 6 months ago. I also had them as a teenager and didn't want her to suffer. Went to the doctor and got these on prescription. There was a major warning on the screen 'not for under 18s', so I was a little worried, but the doctor gave her the dose for a younger child. Yesterday she got her usual blind spot at 7:20 a.m. Took the tablet immediately, and by 8:50 she sat up in bed, no headache, no vomiting, migraine disappeared. She felt a bit dopey and looked a bit pale for a few hours and didn't eat much. From 12 until 9 p.m. she performed in her music fair and concert. Unbelievable!!"

• Mas...
• August 30, 2013

Sumatriptan for Migraine "It's quick acting, but painful, and it made me bruise and bleed a bit. It makes me feel nauseated, and I vomited once, a few minutes after use. It also made me feel sleepy, like my other migraine pills. This just acts quicker and makes you drowsy fast."

• Pet...
• January 7, 2016

For Migraine "I took one pill at onset, then took a second pill after 2 hours of no relief, as directed. I spent a total of 5 hours puking and uncoordinated, except for the hour the 2nd pill knocked me out with drowsiness. My migraine never subsided and continued to rage in full force during and after the side effects. Will not take again."

• Anonymous
• April 14, 2010

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I'm 59 years old and have experienced migraines since age 5. Imitrex is the best drug I've used. I take 100 mg at the first sign, and it prevents it 80% of the time. If taken after the headache starts, it stops the pain within 1 hour and much faster if I lay down. Yes, there are mild side effects-drowsiness, sensitivity to hot and cold, but it sure is better than a headache."

• HRo...
• November 7, 2017

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I have used Fiorinal for years and had no problems, however, my migraines have gotten worse over the last few months. I took a 100 mg Imitrex yesterday, and the side effects were terrible. My neck, head, throat, and shoulders all became tight and felt as though I was 'high,' per se. I finally had to go up to bed and calm myself. I slept for 5 hours and woke up feeling groggy. If I need to take it again, I will break it in half. It was a scary feeling. They only gave me 6 pills, thank goodness. I will stick with the Fiorinal and a cup of coffee."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2016

Sumatriptan for Migraine "If you are a migraine sufferer, this is a miracle drug! Yes, the 'injection' is sort of painful (for like 10 seconds), and I only experienced a little soreness in the spot afterwards. But within 15 minutes of the injection, my debilitating migraine with nausea and blurred vision was gone! I was able to head to work and put in a full 10 hours as normal! No nausea, no follow-up dosage, no pills, just a little sleepiness. I'm a 35-year-old female that suffers from 1-4 migraines with vomiting, light sensitivity, and blurred vision per month. Yes, they are expensive, but I am lucky enough to have great insurance coverage through my employer and only pay $15 per month for 6 of these."

• cor...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 7, 2023

For Migraine "A lifesaver for me. I have had migraines since childhood, but during perimenopause, they became a debilitating disease. Sincerely, I think that without sumatriptan, I would have been out of this world by now. Fortunately, a former student mentioned it to me, and now it helps me almost every time. So glad it exists (not glad for it being quite expensive though). As for side effects, a little bit of sleepiness is all I get."

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 21, 2016

Sumatriptan for Migraine "My migraines are mild but can be long-lived, sometimes lasting 2-3 weeks with nausea and light sensitivity. I used to treat them with just OTC meds, but of course, as soon as they wore off, it came back. While pregnant, I was prescribed Fioricet, but the headache would still come back. Then I finally got Imitrex, and it makes the headache not come back! I do only take it at night just for the drowsiness, but no other side effects for me, and the headache is gone when I wake up!"

• ylu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2013

For Migraine "I recently started taking Sumatriptan. It was okay at first. I took it whenever I felt a migraine coming on, and it usually took care of most of my symptoms, some sensitivity to light and sound continued. But for migraines at work (which I would get all the time), it is terrible because of the sleepiness. I often will have to try to fight all day at work just to stay awake."

• Lea...
• September 5, 2016

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I was diagnosed with severe migraines a little over a year and a half ago. I was prescribed Nortriptyline as an everyday medication and Imitrex as a 'needed emergency pain reliever.' The Nortriptyline doesn't always work, and since I am a teenager, I am still in school. If I get a migraine in school, I am supposed to take an Imitrex and go straight back to class. Unfortunately for me, the Imitrex makes me extremely drowsy and sometimes delirious, usually forcing me to go home and still live with the pain of migraines for at least another 12 hours, but it can still last for up to 3 days afterwards. Thankfully, the Nortriptyline works 95% of the time, but the Imitrex only works a good 75% of the time, and then I'm still put out of commission."

• Lis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 16, 2017

For Migraine "Finally, something non-addictive that actually treats my migraines! I take this with Aleve, and I usually get relief within an hour, and the relief lasts a few hours (about 8). The only downside is that it makes you really drowsy, and it makes you feel 'blah' for a few days after you take it, but it's totally worth it in my opinion. Also, I feel safe taking it since it's the only option my doctor had that doesn't have any warning about possible addiction."