Abstract: The invention relates to effervescent pharmaceutical compositions for oral use comprising an effervescent couple consisting essentially of a base component and an acid component, which components react in the presence of water to generate a gas, and a compound which acts as a 5HT.sub.1 -like receptor agonist or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof as active ingredient.Methods for the manufacture of such compositions and for their use in the treatment of cephalic pain are also described.