Tosymra (sumatriptan) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed to treat migraine with or without aura in adults. Tosymra comes as a nasal spray that’s used when needed to manage a migraine episode.

Tosymra is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat migraine in adults. This medication can treat migraine with or without aura. It’s used to treat a migraine episode that is already happening, so you’ll use this drug only when you’re having a migraine episode.

Tosymra does have some limitations of use. You should use this medication only if you have a diagnosis of migraine. It should be used only to treat a migraine episode that is already happening — it will not prevent one from happening. Additionally, Tosymra should not be used to treat cluster headaches.

Tosymra belongs to a drug class called serotonin receptor agonists. You may also hear Tosymra called a triptan. Tosymra is not available in a generic version. However, Imitrex, a nasal spray that contains the same active drug as Tosymra (sumatriptan), is available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Tosymra, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Tosymra, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Tosymra provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Tosymra, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Tosymra’s form, strength, and dosage.

Tosymra form

Tosymra comes as a single-dose nasal spray unit. Each unit is ready to use and is disposable after use.

Tosymra strength

Tosymra comes in one strength of 10 milligrams (mg).

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed in adults. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for migraine

Doctors may prescribe Tosymra to treat migraine.

If your doctor prescribes Tosymra for your migraine, your dose will be 10 mg, or one nasal spray in one nostril. You’ll take a dose of Tosymra only when you need it to treat a migraine episode that is already happening. So, you won’t use this medication to prevent migraine episodes.

It may be best to take your dose of Tosymra as soon as the symptoms of migraine start. However, you can still use the medication at any point during an episode if needed.

If 10 mg (one nasal spray) isn’t working to treat a migraine episode, your doctor may recommend waiting 1 hour and taking another dose of Tosymra. It’s important to note that you should not take more than 3 doses of Tosymra in 24 hours.

If you’re taking another form of sumatriptan (the active ingredient in Tosymra), such as a tablet or injection, you’ll need to wait at least 1 hour after taking that medication to take Tosymra. If you have questions about your treatment plan or specific dosage, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Long-term treatment

Tosymra is used short term for a migraine episode that is already happening. So, you won’t need to use this medication on a schedule. Instead, you’ll just use it as needed for migraine episodes.

That said, Tosymra may be used for up to 10 days each month. If you and your doctor determine that Tosymra is safe and effective for you, they’ll likely prescribe it as a long-term treatment option.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to use Tosymra.

Tosymra is available as a nasal spray in a single-use device. It’s best to use Tosymra when you feel symptoms of a migraine episode starting. Use the device by placing it into your nostril. You should angle the device slightly outward. Then, tilt your head back and press the plunger on the nasal spray unit.

For step-by-step instructions on how to use Tosymra, see the instructions for use or the video on the manufacturer’s website. If you have questions about how to use Tosymra, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

It’s important that you don’t use more Tosymra than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

Symptoms of an overdose

Overdose symptoms of Tosymra can include:

If you use more than the recommended amount of Tosymra

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Tosymra. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Using Tosymra will not cause drug dependence. With dependence, your body becomes used to a drug and needs it to function as usual.

You’ll use Tosymra only when needed to manage a migraine episode. So, stopping treatment should not cause withdrawal symptoms to occur. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that happen after you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.

However, it’s possible that using Tosymra too often could lead to a side effect called medication overuse headache. Medication overuse headache can occur if you use a migraine treatment, such as Tosymra, for 10 or more days in 1 month.

Medication overuse headache causes you to experience daily migraine episodes or migraine episodes that occur more often than before. If you experience this, talk with your doctor. They will likely recommend that you stop treatment with Tosymra and help you manage your symptoms of medication overuse headache.

You should keep track of how often you use Tosymra to be sure that you aren’t using the medication more than 10 days per month. If you find that you’re using this medication often for migraine episodes, talk with your doctor. They may recommend trying a migraine prevention option. This is a medication that you would take every day to help prevent migraine episodes.

Taking a migraine prevention drug may help decrease the amount of Tosymra that you need to use. This can decrease your risk for medication overuse headaches.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Tosymra.

Is the dosage of Tosymra similar to the dosage of Imitrex?

Yes, the forms and how often you take each drug are similar. Tosymra and Imitrex (sumatriptan) are both available as nasal sprays that are used when needed for migraine episodes. Imitrex also comes as a subcutaneous injection and as an oral tablet.

Both drugs contain the same active ingredient, sumatriptan. However, Tosymra comes in a strength of 10 mg, and Imitrex comes in a strength of 5 mg or 20 mg. So, though you will use one spray of either Tosymra or Imitrex for your migraine episode, the dose in milligrams for each drug differs. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Tosymra to start working?

Tosymra starts to work as soon as you take your first dose. You should notice relief of migraine symptoms within minutes to hours of taking your dose of Tosymra. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to see how often you need to use Tosymra. This can help them determine whether you may need a migraine prevention medication to use along with Tosymra.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Tosymra treatment.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Tosymra for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Tosymra without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Tosymra that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Tosymra. These additional articles might be helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.