Sumatriptan Tablets (50mg & 100mg)

What is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is an effective and fast-acting medicine used for treating migraines and cluster headaches. It is part of a group of medicines called triptans, or serotonin (5-HT1) agonists.

It is the generic version of the drug Imigran, used to treat migraines. Triptans are prescribed for migraine sufferers to help them cope with the changes in the brain caused by this condition. By contracting blood vessels, triptans are able to stabilise brain chemicals and alleviate the pain brought on by migraines.

You must have a prescription to buy Sumatriptan. 

What is Sumatriptan used to treat?

Sumatriptan cannot cure cluster headaches or migraines, nor can it prevent the oncoming of these afflictions. However, it is very effective in lessening the pain caused by these conditions, alleviating the symptoms and allowing you to go about your everyday life without interruption from chronic pain.

While it is not classed as a painkiller, the medicine can be used as one if nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or painkillers have not effectively lessened your symptoms.

Why is Sumatriptan recommended for migraines?

Sumatriptan has been clinically tested and shown to be effective at relieving single acute migraine attacks. It has also been found to be generally well-tolerated. 

Furthermore, Sumatriptan is fast-acting and typically gets to work within an hour of being taken. This means your symptoms should go away shortly after taking this medication. 

How does Sumatriptan work?

This medicine stabilises several chemical changes within the brain during a migraine attack, reducing your symptoms.

Changes in the brain which cause migraines are thought to involve the widening of blood vessels within the brain. Sumatriptan contains the active ingredient sumatriptan succinate, which causes your brain's blood vessels to contract to their normal size, thus alleviating the symptoms of a migraine.

By stimulating the serotonin receptors in your brain, it causes the surrounding muscles to contract, lessening the pain of a migraine attack.

Who can take Sumatriptan tablets?

You should not take Sumatriptan tablets if you suffer from any of the following conditions or allergies:

• You have high blood pressure
• You have recently used ergotamine or similar medicines, or MAO inhibitors
• You have any heart conditions (such as heart attacks, angina or tachyarrhythmia)
• You have seizures or fits
• You are allergic to Sumatriptan, Triptans 5-HT1, antimigraine agents, or any other ingredients
• You have a severely reduced liver function or liver disease

You are not advised to take Sumatriptan tablets if you intend to drive or operate machinery. Migraines often cause drowsiness and dizziness, so you should avoid driving a car or operating any type of machinery until you feel better.

Sumatriptan can also have an adverse effect on anybody who is taking antidepressants. If you are taking antidepressants, you should consult your doctor before you start taking this medication.

You can eat and drink as normal while taking Sumatriptan as alcohol does not affect the medicine. However, during any headache attack, it is always best to avoid any alcohol as it can sometimes be the trigger for a migraine or cluster headache.

Sumatriptan is considered to be a safe treatment for migraines in pregnant women. Sumatriptan can also be taken during breastfeeding as minimal amounts are excreted into the breastmilk.

Can you buy Sumatriptan over the counter?

You can purchase this medicine when you have a prescription from your doctor. It is not for sale over the counter.

Can you buy Sumatriptan online in the UK?

A prescription-only medicine (POM), you can buy Sumatriptan online from Medicine Direct if you have been diagnosed with migraines in the past. All you need to do is complete our simple and confidential online questionnaire, which will be assessed by one of our certified prescribers.

Sumatriptan 50mg or 100mg doses are available to be purchased from our online pharmacy. If you order before 2pm we can offer next day delivery on your medicine.

Never buy medicine online unless you order from a registered pharmacy, like Medicine Direct.

Sumatriptan alternatives

Medicine Direct stocks a number of alternative triptan medicines if Sumatriptan is not suitable for you. You can also order medicines like Almotriptan and Zolmitriptan from our online pharmacy by filling out our online medical questionnaire. Once one of our prescribers has checked your answers, your order will then be processed.

Imigran nasal sprays, which contain sumatriptan as the active ingredient, are also available to be bought from our online pharmacy. The nasal spray works to relieve migraines and is a good alternative for people who have trouble swallowing tablets.

Non-prescription alternatives like Anadin Extra and Migraleve Pink can be bought from our pharmacy, too.