Sumatriptan treatment of acute migraine attacks in a Saudi population

Sumatriptan has been shown to be most effective in migraine attacks, but with transient, slight side effects and high rebound attack rates. We carried out a prospective study on the efficacy and safety of Sumatriptan in a Saudi population. A series of 63 consecutive out-patients with migraine histories ranging from 1/2 to 20 years were given six tablets of 100 mg Sumatriptan plus two diary cards to record the effects and side effects of the drug in two attacks per patient. Effect assessment by patients on a 4-point scale at 4 h after first medication was complemented by a 4-point scale physician's assessment. Time to resolution of attack post-medication, need for second dose (rebound attack), time lapsed to return to daily activities and side-effects were recorded. Exclusion parameters included pregnancy, lactation, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiac and cerebrovascular disease. Inclusion criteria were International Headache Society (IHS)-1988 confirmed migraine characteristics and ages from 15 to 60 years. Physician assessed responses were excellent in 21 patients, good in 21, reasonable in nine and poor to nil in 12 patients. Rebound attacks necessitating second dose occurred in 25 patients. Side effects occurred in 22 (35%) patients. Sumatriptan 100 mg taken orally, is an effective and safe acute treatment mode for migraine attacks in Saudi patients.