Sumatriptan

What is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is a prescription medication that is used to effectively treat migraine headaches. The active ingredient, sumatriptan, belongs to a group of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists, also known as triptans. It is not a painkiller or preventative medication, but instead binds to serotonin receptors in the brain to relieve migraine symptoms.

Sumatriptan is available in tablet, nasal spray and injection form. It is also available as the branded form called Imigran. You can also buy sumatriptan in a 50 mg dose from a pharmacy after answering a few questions from a pharmacist and if you have a previous migraine diagnosis.

What is Sumatriptan Used For?

In addition to being prescribed for migraines, Sumatriptan is also commonly used to treat cluster headaches as an injection or nasal spray. These differ from migraines because they are defined by severe pain and recurring headaches that can affect one side of the head or around the eye. Sumatriptan tablets are not effective for cluster headaches.

Sumatriptan can also treat the associated symptoms of a migraine and cluster headache, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

How Does Sumatriptan Work for Migraines?

Sumatriptan works by activating serotonin receptors in the brain to narrow widened blood vessels. Although the exact cause of a migraine is unknown, it is believed that attacks involve altered nerve signalling, brain chemicals, and widened blood vessels. These changes can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or missed meals.

By binding to these receptors, sumatriptan relieves common migraine symptoms, including pain, nausea, and light sensitivity. Sumatriptan can only treat an active migraine attack; it cannot prevent a future one.

How Long Does Sumatriptan Take to Work?

Sumatriptan tablets start working within 30 to 60 minutes of taking them. Research shows that 50% of people given a 50 mg sumatriptan tablet to treat a migraine were pain-free within 2 hours, and 43% were migraine-free.

Does Sumatriptan Work on Normal Headaches?

No, sumatriptan is not a typical pain-relieving medication and will not help treat a common headache or regular tension headache. Regular headaches are usually caused by muscle tension or stress, not the specific serotonin or blood vessel changes that cause a migraine. Taking sumatriptan for a standard headache will not provide any benefits and can cause side effects.

A regular headache can often be relieved with over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you regularly get headaches or they are concerning you, contact your doctor for advice.

Does Sumatriptan Work for Migraines?

Sumatriptan tablets are an effective and common migraine treatment. They work best when they are taken when migraine symptoms first appear. In a 2024 study comparing all of the licensed medications for treating a migraine, sumatriptan was found to be the third most effective at relieving pain within 2 hours.

An earlier review demonstrated that 50% of people given 50 mg sumatriptan tablets and 57% given the 100 mg dose were pain-free after 2 hours compared to 29% given a placebo, while 61% and 68% were pain-free after 4 hours compared to 30% on a placebo.

How to Take Sumatriptan Tablets

You must take sumatriptan tablets exactly as your clinician has prescribed. It is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18 or over 65 to take sumatriptan. The recommended dose is 50 mg of sumatriptan if you have a migraine attack, but some people may need a 100 mg dose. Your clinician will tell you which dose you need.

Take the sumatriptan tablet by swallowing it whole with water, as soon as the migraine attack begins. Do not break or chew the pill.

If your symptoms are not relieved after the first dose, do not take a second dose for the same attack. If your symptoms are reduced, but they return, you can take a second or third dose, as long as you wait at least 2 hours between doses. If you have a liver issue, your clinician may prescribe the 50 mg sumatriptan dose.

You must not take more than 300 mg of sumatriptan in any 24-hour period. That is equivalent to six 50 mg tablets or three 100 mg tablets.

How Often Can You Take Sumatriptan?

How often you can take Sumatriptan tablets depends on whether your first dose reduces your migraine symptoms. If they do subside but return later, you can take a second or even third dose, as long as you wait at least 2 hours between doses.

Should your symptoms not be reduced after the first dose, you must not take a second dose for the same migraine attack. If you then experience a subsequent attack, you may take Sumatriptan again.

How Many Sumatriptan Can I Take in a Day?

You can only take 300 mg of Sumatriptan in any 24-hour period. Do not exceed this recommended dosage amount, as it will not make your migraine symptoms any better, and you could put yourself at risk.

What Happens if You Take Too Much Sumatriptan?

If you take too much Sumatriptan, you should immediately contact your clinician or doctor. You may also experience side effects of the medication, such as fainting, slowed heart rate, vomiting, and sleepiness.

If You Forget to Take Sumatriptan

If you forget to take Sumatriptan when your migraine starts and the attack has not subsided, you can take your prescribed dose as soon as you remember. If it's a subsequent dose you have forgotten, take it as soon as you remember, provided at least 2 hours have passed since your previous dose.

Remember that you should not take a second dose for the same attack if the previous one had no effect on your symptoms, and never take more than 300 mg of sumatriptan in a 24-hour period.

Sumatriptan Side Effects and Cautions

Like all medications, sumatriptan can cause side effects. It is important that you read the patient information leaflet provided with the medication to understand the potential adverse effects and cautions associated with taking sumatriptan. This will help you understand what to look out for and identify when you may need medical attention.

Potential Side Effects of Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. They are usually mild and temporary, and can also be caused by the migraine itself. If you get any side effects that concern you, get worse, or do not go away, speak to your doctor for advice.

Some of the potential sumatriptan side effects are:

Other common side effects of Sumatriptan tablets include:

• Short-lived/temporary muscle spasms of the jaw that can affect jaw movement
• Heaviness, pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest, throat, or other parts of the body
• The feeling of unusual sensations, such as numbness, tingling, warmth, or cold

These adverse reactions could be intense but generally pass quickly. If they continue or get worse (especially the chest pain), you should seek medical attention immediately.

More information regarding Sumatriptan side effects can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication. You can also report any adverse reactions that you experience to your clinician or using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

How Long Do Sumatriptan Side Effects Last?

Most sumatriptan side effects are mild and will resolve within a few days. It takes 10 to 12 hours for sumatriptan to fully leave your system, so most people find their side effects resolve within this time. If they do not, or you are finding side effects difficult to manage, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Signs of an Allergic Reaction

Sometimes sumatriptan can cause an allergic reaction. If you get any of the following symptoms, get urgent medical help or, in an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E:

• Rash
• Itchy skin rash (hives)
• Wheezing
• Swollen eyelids, face, or lips
• Collapse

Sumatriptan Warnings and Interactions

It's important to note that not all medications are equal. While they will all be effective for the condition(s) they are licensed to treat, they will not be suitable for everyone to take. Some may impact existing medical conditions, while others could interact with other medicines you are taking.

Do not use Sumatriptan tablets if you:

• Are allergic to sumatriptan or any of the other ingredients in the medication
• Have a heart problem such as chest pains or a narrowing of the arteries, or have already had a heart attack
• Have circulation problems in your legs that cause cramp-like pain when you walk
• Have ever had a stroke or mini-stroke
• Have serious liver disease
• Are taking other migraine medicines that contain ergotamine or any triptan
• Are taking antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or have taken them in the last 2 weeks

Precautions Before Taking Sumatriptan Tablets

Before taking sumatriptan, tell the clinician if you:

• Are a heavy smoker or use nicotine replacement therapy
• Are a man over the age of 40
• Are a woman who has been through the menopause
• Have a history of seizures or have a condition that makes them more likely, such as a head injury or alcoholism
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Are allergic to antibiotics, including those called sulphonamides
• Are taking antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Use sumatriptan frequently
• Feel pain or tightness in your chest after using sumatriptan
• Have high blood pressure

What Can You Not Take with Sumatriptan?

Before taking sumatriptan, tell the clinician if you are taking any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications, as they may interfere with the effectiveness of sumatriptan or make it unsafe, or vice versa.

Tell the clinician if you are taking:

• Ergotamine or similar medications such as methysergide. You must stop taking these medicines at least 24 hours before taking sumatriptan and wait at least 6 hours before taking them again after taking sumatriptan
• Other triptans such as naratriptan, rizatriptan or zolmitriptan. You must stop taking these at least 24 hours before using sumatriptan, and don't take another triptan for at least 24 hours after using sumatriptan
• SSRIs or SNRIs for depression – taking these at the same time as sumatriptan can cause serotonin syndrome
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) used to treat depression – do not take sumatriptan if you have taken MAOIs in the last 2 weeks
• St John's wort – this herbal remedy can make sumatriptan side effects more likely

Can I Take Sumatriptan While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding, speak to a doctor before taking sumatriptan. Although there is currently no evidence that sumatriptan increases the risk of birth defects, there is only limited information about the safety of sumatriptan for pregnant women. Your doctor will discuss whether or not sumatriptan is suitable for you.

If you are breastfeeding and your doctor agrees that you can take sumatriptan, it is important that you do not breastfeed your baby for 12 hours after taking it. If you express any breast milk during this time, throw it away and do not give it to your baby.

Some breastfeeding women report breast and/or nipple pain after using sumatriptan. The pain is usually temporary and disappears within 3 to 12 hours.

Where Can I Buy Sumatriptan Tablets?

You can buy sumatriptan tablets in the UK with a private or NHS prescription from high street pharmacies, online pharmacies, and, in some cases, over the counter at a pharmacy. However, you will need to have a short consultation with a clinician, doctor, or pharmacist, and have previously been diagnosed with a migraine to get them.

Can You Buy Sumatriptan Over the Counter?

Yes, you can buy sumatriptan over the counter at a pharmacy, but only in packs of two 50 mg tablets. You will need to speak to a pharmacist to confirm that you already have a migraine diagnosis and so that they can check it is safe for you to take.

If you require more than 2 tablets or a higher dose, you will need a prescription.

Is Sumatriptan Available on the NHS?

Yes, sumatriptan is available on the NHS, but you will need a prescription from a doctor to get it. Sumatriptan is available on the NHS as tablets, nasal sprays, or injections to treat migraines and cluster headaches. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor so that they can assess if sumatriptan is suitable for you.

Can I Buy Sumatriptan Online?

Yes, you can buy sumatriptan online from registered UK online pharmacy services like Prescription Doctor. You will need to complete a short online consultation consisting of a medical questionnaire for our clinician to review and ensure the medicine is safe for you.

If it is, we will dispatch your medication in plain, discreet packaging to maintain your confidentiality, and you can receive it as early as the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sumatriptan Tablets