Sumatriptan is a member of the selective serotonin receptor agonist family of drugs used to treat, but not prevent, migraine headaches. Sumatriptan is available in injection, nasal spray, and oral tablet forms.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. | 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)* L-tryptophan* |
| Depletion or interference | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and L-tryptophan
Sumatriptan works by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain. 5-HTP and L-tryptophan are converted to serotonin in the brain, and taking them with sumatriptan could increase sumatriptan-induced side effects. However, no interactions have yet been reported with sumatriptan and 5-HTP or L-tryptophan.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Sumatriptan tablets may begin to work faster when taken with fluid on an empty stomach at the first sign of migraine.1 2
References
1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Agents for Migraine, Serotonin 5-HT1 Receptor Agonists. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Jun 1996, 256a.
2. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 253.
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2006-09-07
