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.12
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.