[Clinical experience with sumatriptan ++ in the treatment of migraine symptoms]

Although sumatriptan has proven effective in treating migraine symptoms, there have been no studies comparing this drug with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ergotamine compounds under ideal dosage and delivery conditions. Our study aimed to establish the objective and subjective effects of treatment of severe migraine attacks with subcutaneous sumatriptan in a series of patients who were resistant to or intolerant of NSAIDs or ergotamine derivatives. Twenty-three patients were treated for a total of 140 attacks of migraine (mean +/- SD = 6 +/- 4 attacks). In 26% of the patients and in 23% of the attacks the response to sumatriptan was inadequate, while the response was clearly positive in 74% of the patients and in 77% of the attacks. More than half the patients responded within the first 30 min after injection of the drug. In 52% side effects were reported, although none were severe. Side effects continued with the same intensity or decreased in 91% of the patients in the course of the study. No patient considered treatment with sumatriptan worse than treatment with ergotamines or NSAIDs, while 86% and 91% labelled sumatriptan as "better" or "much better" than NSAIDs and ergotamines, respectively. Eighteen (78%) stated that they would continue using sumatriptan for future migraine attacks. Finally, most considered price to be a factor to be taken into consideration in deciding whether to inject the drug indiscriminately.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)