What is Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is a tablet used to relieve migraines. It helps by reducing the swelling of blood vessels around the brain, which is what triggers migraines. Sumatriptan is the key ingredient in well-known migraine relief tablets like Imigran. You should take Sumatriptan as soon as you notice the early signs of a migraine, such as vision issues with aura or the beginning of a headache.
What makes this medication stand out is its affordability compared to other treatments. Sumatriptan is a generic medicine, produced by various companies, not just one. Similar to clothing and food, brand-name pharmaceuticals are usually pricier.
How does Sumatriptan work?
Migraines occur when the blood vessels surrounding the brain become larger and swell. This is why it can feel as though our head is expanding and throbbing during a headache. While the exact cause isn't known, some common triggers for migraines include:
The active ingredient in Sumatriptan works like a chemical in your brain called serotonin. It helps the swollen blood vessels in your brain to tighten, which reduces the pain.
Migraines can bring about other complications as well. Some individuals experience what's known as an aura with their migraines. An aura is essentially a warning sign that often appears before the headache starts. Symptoms might include dark patches or zig-zag lines affecting your vision, dizziness, and a tingling sensation like pins and needles.
You can use Sumatriptan to treat migraines whether you have an aura or not, as it's proven to work for both.
What doses of Sumatriptan are there?
Sumatriptan is available in two strengths: 50mg and 100mg. Typically, you'll begin with the lower dose and may increase it if your symptoms don't get better. Like most medicines, migraine tablets can cause side effects, especially at higher doses. That's why it's common to start with the lower dose to check if it’s effective for you.
There are lower doses of Sumatriptan, but they're given in different ways. For instance, Imigran comes in nasal sprays with doses between 10 and 20mg. Although it's a lower dose, because it's applied directly near the brain, it works faster than a tablet of the same dose. The generic Sumatriptan is only available from us as a tablet, not as a nasal spray or injection.

- Sumatriptan is a generic medication that helps ease migraine symptoms when they happen.
- It works by narrowing the blood vessels in your brain, which can help relieve migraine symptoms.
- Sumatriptan tablets can ease migraine symptoms in about an hour.

Sumatriptan isn't right for everyone, and there are a few things you should know when using it.
Here’s all the official information on it. If anything isn't clear, just let our clinician know, and they can discuss it with you.
Useful Links:
- official info: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/524/pil

Q: How is Sumatriptan different to other treatments for migraines?
There's not a lot of difference between this and other medicines with the same ingredients, as tryptamine-based drugs all work similarly. One key difference is that some treatments, like Imigran, are available as sprays, while Sumatriptan is mostly found in tablet or injection form.
Q: Is Sumatriptan similar to any other treatments?
Q: Which dose of Sumatriptan should I use?
Q: How effective is Sumatriptan?
Clinical trials have demonstrated that Sumatriptan is an effective medication for relieving migraines. Studies have revealed that most people who use this medication experience a reduction in pain from 'severe' or 'moderate' to 'mild' or 'none' within two hours.
Q: Do I need a prescription for Sumatriptan?
Yes, Sumatriptan requires a prescription, and our clinician will need to ensure it's safe and suitable for you before prescribing it.

How to take Sumatriptan
Speak to a doctor if you have high blood pressure and want to use sumatriptan. Normally, you shouldn’t use sumatriptan alongside high blood pressure – but if your blood pressure is mild and being treated, you may be able to use it.
How long does it take Sumatriptan to work?
After taking a Sumatriptan tablet, you should notice your migraine symptoms easing within 30 to 60 minutes.
In a review from 2012, it was found that out of those taking a 100mg dose of Sumatriptan, three out of ten experienced a complete relief from 'moderate' or 'severe' pain within two hours. Additionally, six out of ten reported their pain lessened to no worse than 'mild' after the same time period.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Sumatriptan?
If you take more Sumatriptan than recommended, it's important to inform your doctor or visit your nearest hospital. Always stick to the dosage instructions in the product information leaflet. For Sumatriptan, the maximum dose in a 24-hour period is 300mg. The number of tablets you can take will depend on your prescribed dosage. If you've gone over this limit, contact your doctor for urgent advice.