Authored: 07/03/2023
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Sumatriptan Tablets
Overview
Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraine headaches by relieving symptoms like pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. It's taken at the onset of a migraine and can quickly help to reduce the headache's severity.
- 50mg & 100mg tablets available
- Taken an migraine onset
- Best Value generic version of Imigran
Overview
Buy Sumatriptan Tablets Online
You can buy Sumatriptan tablets from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. You just need to complete an online assessment so our GPs can issue a prescription to our UK pharmacy.
If the doctors approve your order, a prescription is passed to our pharmacy, which will then dispense and dispatch your medication via the Royal mail service.
Sumatriptan Tablet Summary
| Dose | Take ONE tablet at the first sign of a migraine |
| Type of medicine | Triptan - Migraine Symptom relief |
| Mechanism | Narrows swollen blood vessels in the head |
| Available Sizes | 2-24 tablets |
| Strength | 50mg & 100mg |
| Active Ingredient | Sumatriptan |
| Price | From £5.99 |
| Side Effects | Can include facial flushing, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, tingling. |
What Are Sumatriptan Tablets?
Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraine symptoms. If used quickly, it can help alleviate the symptoms before they become severe and many people find it far more effective than traditional painkillers for migraine headaches.
Sumatriptan belongs to a family of medicines called triptans. Triptans are a second-line treatment for migraines. They are used only when required and when traditional painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen, paracetamol) are not effective at treating your migraine.
How Does It Work?
The cause of migraines is not well known but it is thought to involve temporary changes in the nerves and blood vessels of the brain. Triptans like sumatriptan seem to work to reverse these temporary changes in the brain. They are thought to work by causing a narrowing of the blood vessels of the brain, which may swell during a migraine.
Sumatriptan Dose
You should take sumatriptan exactly as your doctor has told you.
Sumatriptan is available as a 50mg and 100mg tablet. It works best if taken when you feel the onset of a migraine. You can, however, take them at any point during an attack if you do not have them to hand when your migraine starts. Do not take sumatriptan tablets to prevent a migraine before it occurs.
A second tablet may be taken 2 hours after your first dose if you have noticed an improvement in your symptoms but they have not fully resolved. If your symptoms resolve and then return, you can take another tablet after 2 hours.
If the first dose had no effect on the migraine, do not take another tablet and speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on what to do. You must not take any more than 300mg of Sumatriptan in 24 hours.
Sumatriptan is available as Sumatriptan 50mg tablets or Sumatriptan 100mg tablets. People who try the 50mg tablets and find them ineffective may find the 100mg dose is more effective. It can begin to relieve migraine symptoms within 30 minutes of taking a dose.
Over the Counter
Sumatriptan is available over the counter in the UK, as the brand name, Imigran Recovery. This is a pharmacy medicine, so must be obtained from a pharmacy, and a qualified pharmacist.
It can be cheaper to obtain prescription sumatriptan online rather than over the counter sumatriptan.
Alternatives
The initial migraine treatments are pain-killing medications such as Aspirin (Anadin Extra), Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Sometimes taking painkillers too often can cause medication-overuse headaches. Feeling sick is common in migraine sufferers and anti-sickness medicines such as Metoclopramide or Prochlorperazine can be used to relieve those symptoms.
Other medicines such as amitriptyline and propranolol are sometimes used to prevent migraines in people who suffer from them often.
At Simple Online Pharmacy, our doctors are able to prescribe other triptans for migraines:
- Imigran (branded version of sumatriptan)
- Rizatriptan
- Zolmitriptan
We also offer triptans in the form of nasal sprays and tablets that disperse on the tongue.
Sumatriptan Side Effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them. Some side effects may be caused by the migraine itself. Please see the patient information leaflet for a full list of the potential side effects of sumatriptan.
Some common sumatriptan side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Feeling hot or cold
- Flushing of the face
- Nausea and vomiting (may be related to the migraine)
- Tingling or tightness in your face, arms, legs or chest
- Unusual feelings of heaviness in your arms, face, legs or chest pain
If you experience any long term feelings of tingling, pressure or tightness after taking sumatriptan stop taking it and tell your doctor straight away. These sensations do not usually last for a long time but if they do seek medical attention immediately.
Prices
| 50mg x 2 | £5.99 |
| 50mg x 6 | £10.99 |
| 50mg x 12 | £19.99 |
| 50mg x 24 | £37.99 |
| 100mg x 6 | £11.99 |
| 100mg x 12 | £20.99 |
| 100mg x 24 | £38.99 |
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Reviewed: 21/03/2025
FAQ
General Information
What is Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is a prescription medication used to treat acute migraine attacks. It belongs to the triptan class, helping to relieve headache pain and associated symptoms.
Is Sumatriptan used for cluster headaches?
Although primarily used for migraines, Sumatriptan can sometimes be prescribed off‑label for cluster headaches.
What are the brand names for Sumatriptan?
In the UK, Sumatriptan is commonly marketed under the brand name Imigran, though generic versions are also available.
How does Sumatriptan work?
It works by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to the narrowing of blood vessels and reduced inflammation, which helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
Usage & Dosage
What is the standard dosage for a migraine attack?
The usual dosage is 50 mg taken orally at the onset of a migraine. If needed, a second dose may be taken after at least 2 hours, but do not exceed 100 mg in 24 hours.
Can I split or crush Sumatriptan tablets?
No, tablets should be swallowed whole to ensure the correct dose is received.
How long does it take for Sumatriptan to work?
Most patients notice relief within 30 minutes, although the full effect may take a little longer.
What if I miss a dose?
Sumatriptan is taken as needed for migraine attacks. If you experience frequent migraines, please consult your doctor rather than taking extra doses.
Effectiveness & Results
How effective is Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is effective for many people in relieving the pain and symptoms of a migraine when taken early during an attack.
Will my migraines return after taking Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan treats an acute migraine attack but does not prevent future episodes. For ongoing prevention, speak to your doctor about other treatment options.
Side Effects & Safety
What are common side effects?
Common side effects include dizziness, tingling sensations, flushing, and a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest.
Are there any serious risks?
Serious risks are rare but may include heart problems or allergic reactions. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or swelling, seek medical help immediately.
Is Sumatriptan safe during pregnancy?
Sumatriptan is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, please consult your doctor.
Can Sumatriptan trigger a heart attack?
While very uncommon, Sumatriptan may increase the risk of heart problems in patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions. Always discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Interactions
What drugs interact with Sumatriptan?
Caution is advised when taking Sumatriptan with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), SSRIs, or SNRIs, as these combinations can affect serotonin levels. Always inform your doctor about your current medications.
Can I take Sumatriptan with supplements?
While most supplements are safe, it’s best to check with your doctor before combining them with Sumatriptan.
Does alcohol interact with Sumatriptan?
Alcohol does not directly interact with Sumatriptan, but it can trigger migraines in some people, so moderation is advised.
Storage
How should I store Sumatriptan?
Store at room temperature (15–30°C), away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep it in its original packaging.
Access & Cost
Who can use Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is intended for adults. It should be used with caution in individuals with cardiovascular conditions and is not recommended for children.
Is Sumatriptan available on the NHS?
Yes, Sumatriptan is available on the NHS for the treatment of acute migraine attacks.
Can I buy Sumatriptan online in the UK?
Yes. Regulated online pharmacies offer Sumatriptan after a clinician reviews your medical history and eligibility.
How much does Sumatriptan cost?
The cost varies depending on the formulation and dosage. Generic versions are generally more affordable than branded options.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes, Sumatriptan is a prescription-only medication in the UK.
What are alternatives to Sumatriptan?
Alternatives include other triptans such as zolmitriptan or rizatriptan, as well as non‑triptan options like NSAIDs or antiemetics, depending on your needs.
Reviews
Info Leaflet
You can read the patient information leaflet for Sumatriptan online, at medicines.org.uk
Warnings
Warnings and Precautions
Sumatriptan may cause pain, tightness in your chest and shortness of breath after use. These effects may not happen to everyone but should pass quickly. If they do not pass quickly, seek urgent medical care.
Overuse of the medicine may result in medication overuse headaches. If you require the treatment frequently or believe you may have medication overuse headaches, consult your doctor about migraine prevention treatments.
Other conditions and Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan should not be taken by people by people with the following medical conditions or circumstances:
- If you have had a heart attack, heart rhythm problems, angina or ischaemic heart disease
- If you have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack
- If you have high blood pressure
- If you have liver disease
- If you have fits or seizures
- If you have circulation problems in your legs (peripheral vascular disease)
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to sumatriptan or any of the ingredients
You should tell your doctor if you have any of the above. Check the patient information leaflet for further information.
Interactions with other medicines
The patient information leaflet contains a full list of medicines that can interact with sumatriptan. These interactions can cause changes in medicine effectiveness and side effects. Always inform your prescribing doctor or pharmacist of the medicines you take before using them. Examples include:
- Antidepressants called MAOIs, SSRIs or SNRIs
- Other triptans
Sumatriptan in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: There is limited evidence for the safety of the medicine in pregnant women. There is no current evidence that it causes harm, however due to the lack of evidence on safety in pregnancy, sumatriptan is generally avoided unless absolutely necessary. Consult a doctor before using the treatment during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: Sumatriptan does cross into the breast milk and can be passed to the child during feeding. For this reason, breastfeeding 24 hours after a dose should be avoided or an alternative migraine treatment should be considered by your doctor.
