Drugs that bind to serotonin receptors in place of serotonin and directly stimulate those receptors. Serotonin agonists such as sumatriptan are used to reduce the pain of an acute migraine headache by increasing serotonin levels.
A class of medications, also called 5HT1 agonists, is employed to manage acute migraine episodes characterized by the enlargement of blood vessels in the brain. These serotonin agonists target the same brain receptors as serotonin, a neurotransmitter, causing the dilated vessels to return to their normal dimensions and thus alleviating migraine symptoms.
Frequently used serotonin agonists such as naratriptan and sumatriptan may induce chest pain, especially in individuals with heart conditions. Therefore, they should be administered cautiously in people with an elevated risk of coronary artery disease. Additional side effects can include facial flushing, a tingling sensation, and nausea.