THE TREATMENT OF MIGRAINE WITH SUMATRIPTAN - CONSENSUS

Sumatriptan is a new drug for the acute treatment of severe migraine attacks. Its high price justifies a specialist consensus on its use. Oral sumatriptan should only be given when the treatment of attacks according to the guidelines recommended by the German Migraine and Headache Society, has failed. Subcutaneous sumatriptan is indicated in patients who are unable to swallow tablets because of early vomiting, or when suppositories cannot be used due to initial diarrhoea. A relative indication is a severe attack during a house visit, in outpatient clinic or in surgery. Another relative indication for oral or subcutaneous sumatriptan is when a rapid effect is needed in a stress situation. In the case of frequent migraine attacks at least two migraine prophylactic treatments should be tried first. Patients who abuse ergotamine or other drugs are unsuitable. A precise documentation of the reasons leading to the prescription of sumatriptan is recommended.