Sumatriptan

[Toestonose]

I've taken sumatriptan 50mg and I'm 10 weeks pregnant. I know i shouldn't have taken it but i was desperate, i couldn't drive due to blurred vision and i couldn't get home and panicked, now I'm panicked I've done baby some damage. I know no one can tell me whether i have or haven't but has anyone taken it and all was fine?

[OneOffPost]

I only ever lurk on here but didn’t want to read and not post. Although I’m not a doctor I highly doubt you’ve done any damage.

I’ve suffered from migraines since I was a child and struggled in early pregnancy not to take my usual migralieve and sumatriptan. Eventually at about 15 weeks I gave up during a 48-hour attack and took sumatriptan 100mg. Doctor on the phone gave me the go-ahead to do it if I really couldn’t cope but nonetheless I felt terrible about it. Spoke to the doctor who said there is no evidence that triptans do the baby any harm. There is actually evidence from studies in Germany and Canada which demonstrates no risks at all but the studies have not been big enough for them to say confidently it’s ok - the same can be said for many other medications out there.

Same doctor also gave me the all clear to take triptans again if I felt I needed them. She also said codeine is ok (they prescribe it to pregnant women for many things including sciatica) and suggested taking it early in a migraine attack to avoid getting to the point where I need a triptan. I’d go to your doctor and talk about your pain relief options and get some reassurance. Obviously I was slightly further on in my pregnancy too.

I hope that helps reassure you and I wish you a migraine-free and happy pregnancy.

[Smurfybubbles]

I’m currently 29 weeks preganant and took Sumatriptan when I was 8 weeks due to a week long migraine that I just couldn’t cope with anymore. Obviously as baby’s not born yet I can’t say for certain that it hasn’t had an impact but all bloods and scans have been fine so far.

I had a discussion with my GP prior to ttc as I was worried what I would do for 9 months without my painkillers and triptans. He printed off a sheet from the NHS with advice about managing migraines in pregnancy and he stated that of all the triptans Sumatriptan was the most reported and no adverse effects were known but they’d still don’t have enough information to say it’s safe. It’s seen as a later line therapy for migraine treatment after paracetamol has been tried.

I had migraines through the first trimester which eventually eased off by week 13 thankfully! The 4head sticks were a godsend. It might be worth having a chat with your GP to see if they can recommend anything else in case you get another one.

[n0ne]

I also took Sumatriptan when pregnant after 2 weeks of horrendous migraines, at my GPs advice. It's not ideal but I was at the point of wanting to shoot myself almost. Baby was absolutely fine, had no effect on my pregnancy that I could tell.

[sirlee66]

Migraines are bloody awful! Made worse when you know you can't take anything!!!

Don't worry about a 1 off.. if it was regular I'd maybe advise you against it but I'm sure a 1 time thing, in order to get you both home safe, was a decision that was right for you at that time.

I hope your migraines 'do one' very soon!!

[Offmen]

I also took sumatriptan at 17 weeks pregnant after a 3 day migraine that I just couldn't cope with any longer. I was becoming seriously dehydrated and I was worried how that might affect the baby. I spoke to my gp surgery and they said that they advised against it as that is what the manufacturer says. I had looked at the evidence, which had changed between my earlier pregnancy in 2013 and was happy enough with my decision to take it. It was luckily a one off. I might have been more uncomfortable if I had needed it again. Baby is now over a year and fine!
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[Offmen]

Sorry for gobbledygook! Writing while walking...

[HickoryDickoryDot]

I also took sumatriptan for migraines during pregnancy. A very bad migraine would have me in bed unable to eat or drink, which I thought would be worse for baby.

My GP said that they couldn't officially advise it to be taken, but that there's no known adverse effects and it's one of the most commonly used triptans.

Baby is fine and now ten months old. Still taking it now whilst breastfeeding!

Be kind to yourself, I very much doubt you've done any damage!

[Smurfybubbles]

@HickoryDickoryDot good to know you're taking it while BF'ing as that is my next concern! As soon as baby is out I imagine my hormones will be all over the place triggering them all over again!

[Toestonose]

Thank you for all your replies, i am going to take all your advice and get some 4head and paracetamol to carry in my handbag so that i have something to take should I get another, so i don't have to resort to the sumatriptan. Hopefully i won't get anymore, i have become better at knowing triggers and haven't had one in a few months but i guess pregnancy hormones are playing havoc

[hungryhenryshouldeatelsewhere]

I was prescribed it whilst pregnant and it made me throw up.

[hungryhenryshouldeatelsewhere]

Should also say my twins were born healthy and happy. I took it about 7 times, on the doctors advice of course.

[Offmen]

You might be lucky - My headaches and migraines lessened significantly after my first. Probably largely due to breastfeeding stopping my cycle. Unfortunately my 2nd pregnancy seemed to increase them again!

[Offmen]

I've taken it twice when breastfeeding too and again no ill effects noticed in the baby

[Lollypop3906]

I started an episode of cluster headaches 2 weeks ago when I was 21 weeks pregnant. This means pain killers every night usually aspirin but have given in twice and taken Sumatriptan as it's the only thing that really helps. I feel awful but can't cope with the pain without anything! Also waiting for oxygen but not sure how long this will take. These episodes can go on for weeks so praying I will wake up soon and will have gone 😩. This string of posts has re assured me though. Thank you x

[UntilTheVeryEnd]

Please don’t worry! I was in the same situation and I have a letter from my neurologist who states that “triptans are considered safe at all stages of pregnancy, so sumatriptan can be taken as and when required”

I suffer from horrendous migraines, ocular and with aura so I fully understand how debilitating it is! You can’t do best for baby if you can’t function.
Feel better OP and stop feeling guilty. Xx

[Thishatisnotmine]

I took a couple in the first rimester of my second pregnancy and doctor said it was ok. I did a lot of reading into migraines in pregnancies as pregnancy is a migraine trigger for me...

I was actually given a new prescription for sumpatriptan in my second trimester as well as being told I could take ibruprofen - but no more than a couple of times a week. I ended up having to to amitriptylene. It did not suit me and didn't come without a (very, very small) risk but the migraines were becoming debilitating, lasting 2-3 days, then a day break before the next one started. I had to stop it at 28 weeks but fortunately the migraines stopped then too.

You can also safely take cocodamol, although it didn't work for me.

Do get the the GP to discuss what you can do if they continue. If your GP suggests paracetamol go and see a different one. Hopefully they will stop in the second trimester - most do.

[Lollypop3906]

Great thanks that's good to know. They have referred me to neuro but apparently there is a 18 week waiting list so baby will probably be here by the time I get an appointment! Been to GP and tried all sorts codine and paracetamol make them worse. I don't think they like giving out drugs full stop when you are pregnant! Thanks again.