Sumatriptan typically starts to work within the following times, depending on the form of administration:
- Oral tablets: relief generally begins within 30 to 60 minutes.
- Nasal spray: works within about 15 minutes.
- Injectable (subcutaneous) form: provides relief in about 10 to 15 minutes.
The full effects may take a few hours to be noticed, and taking the medication at the first sign of symptoms usually results in the fastest improvement. If the first dose does not completely relieve symptoms, a second dose can be taken after a certain time interval as advised by a doctor. These times reflect typical onset of action and can vary slightly among individuals and specific circumstances.