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Migraine Treatments

Before we can issue a treatment, you’ll need to answer a short assessment. This assessment will help us recommend the right treatment for you.

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Order Migraine Medication Online UK

At Simple Online Pharmacy, you can order migraine treatments via our UK registered online doctor service. Migraine can be an extremely debilitating condition, which causes severe throbbing migraine headaches. In addition to the headache, some people can suffer from nausea and increased sensitivity to light, amongst other symptoms. 

This service is available to patients who have been diagnosed with migraine by their GP. For example, sumatriptan can reverse the changes which occur in the brain when a migraine occurs, to help prevent its onset.

Once you have completed the short online assessment, our doctor will review your order and prescribe a medication if it is appropriate. Our pharmacy will then dispense and deliver your prescription to your door. Delivery options include next day delivery.

Visit the NHS website for more information on migraine.

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Overview

What are migraines?

Migraine is a common medical condition that is defined as a headache disorder. It is usually a moderate or severe headache that can also be associated with other symptoms such as feeling sick.

It affects up to 1 in 7 people and is up to three times more common in women than in men. It can occur at any age but is more common between the ages of 25 and 55.

There are several types but the most common type is called migraine without aura.

Some people suffer from migraines with aura. Aura is when people get specific symptoms (such as pins and needles) that happen just before a headache begins.

Chronic migraine is diagnosed if someone has a headache on at least 15 days a month.

Migraine Causes

Although migraine affects many people, migraine causes are not well understood. It is thought to involve a change in brain activity. This change can temporarily affect blood vessels, chemical messengers, and nerve signals in the brain.  

Migraines can be triggered by a number of factors. Triggers can be different for different people and include:

  • Head trauma
  • Hormonal changes (e.g menstruation)
  • Lack of sleep
  • Stress
  • Certain medicines (e.g hormone replacement therapy)
  • Emotional triggers (e.g stress, anxiety)
  • Missing meals or irregular meal times
  • Alcohol
  • Dehydration
  • Caffeine
  • Specific foods

The condition can also be genetic. If you have a family history of migraine, you are more likely to have it yourself.

Migraine symptoms

The main symptom of a migraine is an intense headache that causes moderate or severe pain. Generally, it occurs on one side of the head and can cause a pulsating or throbbing pain. The headache may worsen with movement and can prevent you from carrying out normal activities. Typically, the headache lasts between 4 - 72 hours. 

Other common symptoms that appear alongside the headaches are sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating, and difficulty concentrating.

Migraines with aura

With this type, symptoms begin before the headache appears. These symptoms act as a warning that a migraine is about to happen. They generally develop over a short period of time and last less than an hour. Aura symptoms include visual problems, numbness, dizziness, and difficulty speaking.

These are a common type of migraine, although they are less common than migraines without aura.

Symptoms of migraine can sometimes be similar to other conditions. For example, some aura symptoms can be similar to stroke symptoms. Sometimes a severe headache can be a sign of another medical condition that needs urgent treatment. 


The NHS offers advice on when to seek urgent care due to a headache. If you are unsure whether you are suffering from a migraine, or have not had one before, you should seek medical advice.

Migraine Treatments

There are several migraine treatments available. Common migraine tablets in the UK include painkillers, triptans or anti-sickness medicines. Some of these are over the counter migraine medications while others are only available on prescription.

Painkillers

Many patients find painkillers effective at improving symptoms. Examples are aspirin, ibuprofen, paracetamol and co-codamol (codeine and paracetamol). 

You can buy migraine tablets and painkillers over the counter at a pharmacy or online from our shop. Some are advertised as being specific headache tablets. Our shop pages contain more information on who can and can’t take these painkillers.

These are most effective if taken as soon as symptoms of an attack begin. Soluble versions of these painkillers may be more effective for migraine relief. This is because they are absorbed into the body faster than normal tablets.

If painkillers are used too often, in rare cases they can cause medication-overuse headaches

Triptans

Triptans are a type of medicine prescribed by GPs. They are commonly prescribed migraine medications in the UK. These are normally prescribed if a patient has tried over the counter painkillers but find them ineffective. 

Triptans are more specific for treating migraines than other painkillers like paracetamol. Generally, people are prescribed sumatriptan tablets first. Sumatriptan is available as 50mg tablets and 100mg tablets. 

A dose is taken as soon as a headache appears (not the aura). If symptoms improve but return, a second dose can be taken two hours after the first.

Other triptans available include Imigran (branded sumatriptan), rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, and naratriptan.

The above treatments are available in tablet form and they generally take 30 - 60 minutes to have an effect. 

Other versions of the treatments are available, such as nasal sprays or dispersible tablets. These are absorbed into the bloodstream quickly and may improve symptoms faster than the tablet versions. They can also be easier to take for people who feel nauseous during an attack.

Anti-sickness medicines

Feeling sick or vomiting are common symptoms during an attack. Many people find treatment with anti-sickness medicines helps alongside painkillers or triptans. Most anti-sickness medicines need to be prescribed by a doctor, but two are available from pharmacies. These are Buccastem M tablets and Migraleve Pink tablets.

Migraleve pink tablets contain codeine, paracetamol and buclizine. Buclizine is the anti-sickness ingredient. Migraleve pink tablets are available on our website and are also available in Migraleve Complete.

Preventive treatment

Preventive migraine medication can be taken daily to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. This type of treatment is prescribed for people who are severely affected by migraines.

Examples of preventive medicines include beta-blockers (like propranolol), amitriptyline, and topiramate.

These medications are not available over the counter or from online pharmacies like Simple Online Pharmacy. Patients need to be medically reviewed by their GP for preventive treatment. You should talk to your doctor about your symptoms. The benefits of treatment need to be balanced against the risks of side effects.

FAQ

General Information

What are migraines?

Migraine is a common headache disorder characterised by moderate to severe head pain, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.

Who is most affected by migraines?

Migraines affect up to 1 in 7 people, are more common in women, and typically occur between the ages of 25 and 55.

What causes migraines and what are common triggers?

The exact causes are not fully understood, but changes in brain activity that affect blood vessels, chemical messengers, and nerve signals are believed to be involved. Triggers include stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, certain foods, alcohol, dehydration, and missed meals.

Usage & Dosage

What is the best immediate treatment when experiencing a migraine?

Many people find relief by resting in a dark, quiet room or sleeping. Over‑the‑counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, are often taken at the onset of symptoms.

What over‑the‑counter migraine medications are available?

Options include common painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol. Some anti‑nausea tablets are also available without a prescription.

What is the recommended dosage for sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is typically prescribed in 50mg or 100mg tablets to be taken at the onset of a migraine. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you.

How should sumatriptan be taken?

Sumatriptan should be taken as soon as migraine symptoms appear, preferably on an empty stomach. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding timing and dosage.

Effectiveness & Results

How long can a migraine last?

In migraines with aura, the aura stage generally lasts between 5 minutes and 1 hour, while the headache phase can last from 4 up to 72 hours.

How quickly does sumatriptan provide relief?

Sumatriptan typically starts to relieve migraine symptoms within 30 to 60 minutes after taking the medication.

Side Effects & Safety

What are common side effects of migraine medications, including sumatriptan?

Common side effects can include dizziness, dry mouth, and mild nausea. Sumatriptan may also cause sensations of warmth or tingling. If side effects are severe or persistent, consult your doctor.

Are alternative remedies safe for treating migraines?

Some people use alternative treatments like acupuncture, herbal supplements, or relaxation techniques. However, discuss these options with your doctor to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you.

Interactions

Do migraine medications interact with other drugs?

Some migraine medications may interact with other drugs. Always check with your doctor before combining treatments.

Can migraine medications be taken with alcohol?

It is best to avoid or limit alcohol intake when taking migraine medications, as alcohol can reduce their effectiveness and may increase side effects.

Storage

How should I store migraine medications?

Store your migraine medications at room temperature (15–30°C), away from moisture and direct sunlight, and keep them in their original packaging.

Access & Cost

Are migraine treatments available on the NHS?

Yes, many migraine treatments, including over‑the‑counter painkillers and some prescription medications, are available on the NHS. For more specialised treatment, speak to your doctor.

Can I buy migraine medications online in the UK?

Yes, regulated online pharmacies in the UK offer migraine medications. Always ensure you use a registered service and have a valid prescription if required.

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