Sumatriptan and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Hey...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 16, 2013

Sumatriptan for Migraine "Migraines have become my worst enemy over the past 4-5 years. Thank goodness for Imitrex. I started with the pills, then the nasal spray and have worked my way up to the shots (plus nausea medicines). The pills had the least side effects. The spray was vile-tasting, but fast-acting, and I could take it while working. When my headaches worsened, they added Botox and upgraded me to the injected version. I needed something that acted FAST so I could stay in the classroom. The downside to the injection is the head rush, change of heart rate, and the flushing feeling. When I inject, I have about 15-30 BAD minutes, then I kind of restabilize, and about an hour later, I usually feel better and capable of continuing to teach."

• 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."

• dan...
• June 15, 2010

Sumatriptan for Migraine "Had migraines since I was 13. Thirty years later, and they are worse. Have tried Maxalt, Treximet, butalbital, Excedrin Migraine, and Zomig, to name the ones I remember. Tried a sample of Sumavel DosePro this month. It is the only medication that stopped the pain 100%. Took 10 minutes to stop a bad migraine (8 on a 10 scale) and another 10 minutes to be back to functional. Was a bit disoriented and dizzy for that first 20 minutes. Relpax is my typical drug of choice nowadays, but it doesn't stop the bad ones. It only stops the ones that I catch right away. But this Sumavel is my new knight in shining armor. I don't know how expensive it is yet, but I'm headed back to the doctor this week to find out."

• Men...
• June 14, 2019

For Migraine "I've been suffering from migraines for years, lasting three days in a row, regularly! To humor my body, I'd take paracetamol, ibuprofen, cocodamol, knowing they would not even touch the sides of these monstrous head pains. Nothing besides my daith piercing (a piercing that is located in the innermost fold of your ear) has worked. Until now. Enter sumatriptan! It's bizarre the way it works; I can feel the blood vessels in my head contracting immediately, and then I feel a pained pressure at the top of my nose. It all seems to pulsate for about an hour, after which my migraine has gone! I take anti-sickness at the same time to counter the feelings of nausea, and it does work. Although, for plenty of hours afterward, I feel kind of odd; a bit floaty, a little bit dizzy, and the pressure in my nose is still there, but I think I prefer those short-lived symptoms to the three days of awfulness I'd been having until now. Within 12 hours, all my symptoms seem to have gone."

• mer...
• December 6, 2018

Sumatriptan for Migraine "After I had my son, I had horrible migraines, sometimes daily. I tried every over-the-counter medication, including Excedrin, Tylenol, and Ibuprofen. I recently started taking Imitrex. It's amazing. It does take a while to kick in, probably about an hour to two. The pain goes away within about 20 minutes, but I still have a pressure-like feeling until about an hour or two later. It also has really helped my depression, maybe because of the serotonin element in the medication. It doesn't make me tired or dizzy, luckily. I do feel relaxed, but not in a bad way. I really love it."

• 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."

• joa...
• August 25, 2015

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I have been getting migraines off and on since around the age of 16 and am now 25. Most of my migraines are due to my allergies during the spring/summer. But they seem to be even worse during the colder months. This medication works wonders for me. The only thing I seem to notice is a bit of dizziness after the medicine wears off. But I would much rather have a little dizziness rather than being bedridden, light/sound sensitivity, migraine, and nausea/vomiting."

• Lle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2019

For Migraine "Everyone is different. I react badly to many drugs, but sumatriptan- to my total surprise- has so far helped with my migraines with very few side effects. The pain doesn't respond to anything else. I've tried aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and even tramadol. I've tried running, singing, rehydration salts, hot packs, cold packs, nasal sprays, and I don't know what else. When the migraines got to the point that I couldn't sleep them off- they are actually worse now after sleep- I asked the doc for help, and she prescribed sumatriptan 50 mg, and it's like a miracle drug. The pain goes away after about an hour. I feel a bit manic and a bit dizzy after taking it, but I feel dizzy and angry with the migraines anyway, so that's a side effect I'm okay with at the moment. Note I've only been using it for a couple of months and plan for this to be temporary while I investigate whether lifestyle changes will help me manage my headaches without drugs."

• Mud...
• November 21, 2014

For Migraine "After three solid weeks with vestibular migraine, tinnitus, nausea, and no sleep, I have finally found what works. Mild dizziness, especially when bending, tinnitus is there, no dopey feeling, and I am finally relaxed! I tried everything else... Topamax was a disaster, B12 shot, heat/cold, alcohol, no alcohol, diet, sleep, Toradol, Benadryl shot, Phenergan only way to sleep and not be sick!! Thank goodness - too bad I have no insurance and it costs a fortune."

• 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."

• smt...
• January 12, 2016

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I'm only 16, and I was prescribed it at 15 and told only to take it when my migraines were unbearable. Every time I have taken it, I usually get a really sick feeling, such as hot flashes, weakness, nausea, and dizziness. There's always a feeling that my brain is being frozen over from where the migraine mostly is. But I always take it and go straight to sleep, except for last night. I stayed up, and I was seeing and hearing things that weren't there. I couldn't do simple tasks, I forgot where my room was after my boyfriend told me to drink some water. I cried over everything, I was scared of everything. Staying awake for me was horrifying."

• sno...
• January 28, 2017

Sumatriptan for Migraine "Went to see my neurologist for the usual migraine check-up, med refills, treatment. While there, he suggested Botox (another story: DO NOT DO IT, I am in horrible nonstop pain). Since I was in the middle of an episode, I got a Toradol injection and this NEW Onzetra nasal. Not a fan of anything going up my nose, should have gone with my gut instinct. You put one opening in a nostril, the other in your mouth, and blow. Like blowing up a balloon, blowing powder throughout your nose, soft palate, and throat. It felt like sucking salt water up your nose, the pain was immediate-eye-watering, dizzying, nose pinching, nauseous pain. I coughed, gagged, cried, wanted to scream. Three days later, I am worse than ever-pain, shaking, incapacitated. Not worth it."

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2011

Sumatriptan for Migraine "Imitrex took away my migraine, but I could not function on it. I had to lay down completely still and go to sleep because it made me so nauseous I felt like vomiting every time I moved. I was extremely dizzy, and it made my skin painful to the touch. Even after the migraine went away, I still felt out of it the rest of the day. I would definitely ask for samples before paying for the prescription!"

• Cai...
• June 1, 2010

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I have had migraines since I was 16, but they've been getting worse and worse, and I decided it was time to go to a doctor. I went in, and they gave me Sumavel DosePro to see if the medicine was effective. The initial 'injection' was awful. It hurt as bad as my migraines did, only in my thigh. Then I felt extremely dizzy, and my whole body was sore, and I had trouble breathing. They let me rest for about 20 minutes before sending me home with a sample of Treximet. I got home and took a nap for about 30 minutes. When I woke up, I felt better than I had in months. Finally, my head felt clear, and I had energy back! As much as the initial pain and discomfort was, it only lasted about an hour, in comparison to the 3-day migraines I was getting before."

• 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 12, 2012

Sumatriptan for Migraine "Those injections for my headaches that the doctor gave me are amazing! I wake up with my headache a lot, so I can't even stop them before they start, and like this morning, they're usually paired with nausea, and I end up throwing up. This injection is awesome, though! Quick relief without having to make a trip to the ER. I usually get Toradol shots at the hospital that make the headache disappear within twenty minutes or so. The initial injection of the Sumavel hurt a little and caught me off guard, but it felt like a bee sting, it just hurt for a second, and then it was over. It bled a little bit, and about a minute after, my head started to feel heavy, and I felt a little dizzy. I went to sleep, woke up, and felt better."

• teg...
• October 18, 2011

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I was nervous about the pain, and even though it's needle-free, I have a bit of a needle phobia, and the idea of any injection (even without a needle) was pretty rough for me to get over. After talking myself up for about 30 minutes, I was finally able to give myself the dose. It hurt a lot more than I was expecting and bled more than my neurologist and pharmacist said it would, so immediately after administering it, I was pretty apprehensive. I felt the side effects most people have reported (weakness, dizziness, heaviness, etc.), but I also had some nausea, and I was really tired. I felt near-immediate relief of about 50% of my migraine, and then took a power nap for about 45 minutes. When I woke up, I felt like a completely new person."

• msm...
• May 26, 2011

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I have had migraines for quite some time, and my doctor tried the Sumavel today. I felt a little dizzy and heavy, but 15 minutes later, the migraine was completely gone. I immediately called my mom, who has suffered from migraines for 15 years, to tell her about it. Highly recommended!"

• Anonymous
• October 27, 2011

Sumatriptan for Migraine "I have suffered from terrible migraines for the past 7 years and saw no relief in sight. Once I tried this needleless injection, it has changed my life for the better. I was nervous to give myself the injection, but I had my sister help me for moral support. The injection did sting and bleed just a little, but any migraine sufferer would not mind a little sting over the pain of a migraine. I did get lightheaded/dizzy for a few minutes, however, my migraine was gone within 5 minutes. Awesome medicine, it gave me my life back. I highly recommend it!"

• Jay...
• January 10, 2017

For New Daily Persistent Headache "I've been having chronic headaches for the past month to the point where they get severe (not a migraine), so I asked my doctor for sumatriptan, and she gave me it. Little did I know it doesn't get rid of the headache nor relieve it. I'm on day 2 of it, and all it's done is make me dizzy, my chest feel heavy and horrible that I can't breathe and need to cough hard. My shoulders feel heavy and ache in my neck, and it's made my headache feel like a full-blown migraine, which I haven't felt for 4 years. Never having it again. I don't recommend this medication, it's made me feel really horrible."

• Zac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2021

For Migraine "I started sumatriptan about a month ago. My first time, the headache didn’t necessarily go away, but it stopped it from getting bigger. It also helped it last only 2 days instead of my normal 3-day migraine. The second time was actually horrible. I felt like I was drugged, dizzy, nauseous, chest pain, fingers and arms felt numb, etc. My heart was beating out of control, and it knocked me out for a good 6 hours. When I woke up, the headache was gone, but then a small one came back about 30 minutes later. So that has been my experience the last couple of times taking it. I’m extremely scared to take it on days I have work because the symptoms are super unpredictable. I’ll be trying it a couple more times, but I definitely have mixed reviews."

• Man...
• March 21, 2017

Sumatriptan for Migraine "Just took it for the first time today, used to use Maxalt. This drug completely knocked me out - so sleepy and tired, not to mention feeling very weird. It's been 7 hours and I feel not great. Headache gone, but left with fatigue and dizziness. Back to Maxalt."

• Mem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2021

For Migraine "This is the first time I've gotten a migraine, and I contacted my doctor, and he gave me sumatriptan, the pill. It’s impossible. This pill has intensified my migraines to the point where I’m shaking, and I am so dizzy I cannot function. I am so nauseous, it’s just all bad. I just feel so dead. It’s honestly the worst experience I've ever had with a medication. Not to mention I’m so nauseated, I’ve never felt this terribly in my entire life. Never again :("

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2012

Sumatriptan for Migraine "Imitrex is the best medication for migraines I have taken so far. When I first started using it, I would get the loopy feeling and slight dizziness. Normal, right? But after a month or two and a few more uses of this medication, I started to get a burning sensation in my head, behind my eyes, and it progressively got worse with each time I took it. The side effects have gotten so bad that now I get cold/hot sweats, the burning sensation in my head, and vomiting. I have now switched to a medication that is the prescription strength of Motrin, which works just as well."

• Sun...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 20, 2018

For Migraine "I have been on this medication for over 5 years. I rated it 9 stars because it did work well to stop my migraine in its tracks (within an hour). I would only take half at a time due to side effects of fatigue and dizziness. HOWEVER, my body became dependent upon it. A few years into starting sumatriptan, I began experiencing almost daily rebound headaches/migraines. For several years, I struggled with changing diet, eliminating caffeine, foods, other triggers, and taking all the preventative meds on the market, to no avail. Recently, I saw my MD instead of the Nurse Practitioner. He advised me that triptans can cause rebounds for some people. He changed my meds. After a week, I was back to my usual 1 or 2 migraines a week."