What are Sumatriptan Tablets?
Sumatriptan belongs to the triptans, or serotonin (5-HT1) agonists class of medicines and are the generic version of Imigran tablets. They are used to treat migraine attacks once they have started. It is not a painkiller but you can use this medicine if other painkillers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have not worked, with people finding them to work much more effectively than traditional painkillers.
How to buy Sumatriptan Tablets online
Sumatriptan is available as a Pharmacy (P) medicine as the brand Migraitan, it is only licensed in those with previously diagnosed migraines and comes in one strength of 50mg and a pack size of 2. You can use our online prescription service to buy Sumatriptan tablets online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK and offer free delivery and next day delivery. Any website that claims to sell generic Sumatriptan tablets without a prescription is operating illegally and you could be purchasing counterfeit / fake medicine.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How Sumatriptan works
The root cause of migraines is not yet fully understood. One of the causes may be the blood vessels widening in the brain. Sumatriptan acts on these vessels causing them to narrow, relieving any pain, nausea and sensitivity to light.
It is important to note they are not a preventative and are instead to be taken when a migraine attack happens and take roughly 30 minutes to start working.
How to take Sumatriptan Tablets
The usual adult dose is 50mg of sumatriptan when the migraine headache starts; some people are prescribed 100mg. If it helped but the headache returns, a further prescribed dose can be taken after at least 2 hours. Do not repeat a dose for the same attack if the first did not work. Do not take more than 300mg in 24 hours, and follow any lower limit on your prescription. These tablets do not prevent migraine attacks.
Sumatriptan vs Imigran
Imigran is simply the brand name for Sumatriptan, which was first made by GlaxoSmithKline, since it is no longer under patent other drug companies can now manufacture Sumatriptan tablets at a much lower price. Despite the name difference both tablets contain the exact same active ingredient, which is Sumatriptan.
Sumatriptan side effects
As with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. The most common side effects of Sumatriptan tablets include
- Lack of energy
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Struggling to breath
- Hot or cold flushes
If you would like to see a full list of side effect please refer to the SPC below or look in the patient information leaflet.
Sumatriptan tablets and driving
Sumatriptan and migraine attacks can cause drowsiness. If you take it and feel drowsy or feel drowsy from the migraine do not drive or operate any machinery.
Sumatriptan tablets and pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, speak to your doctor before taking sumatriptan. The decision depends on your migraines, other treatments and the available pregnancy evidence; your doctor will weigh the expected benefit against possible risks.
Sumatriptan tablets and breastfeeding
Sumatriptan may be used while breastfeeding if your doctor or health visitor confirms it is suitable for you and your baby. Only small amounts reach milk. The product information describes a 12-hour pause after a dose, discarding milk expressed in that time, to minimise exposure; discuss whether this is needed for your circumstances.
Who cannot take Sumatriptan tablets
Sumatriptan may not suitable if you:
- Have previously had an allergic reaction to Sumatriptan
- Have a heart problem
- Have an irregular heart beat
- Have recently heart attack
- Suffer from circulation problems
- Suffer from seizures or fits
- Have liver problems
- Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Are a heavy smoker
Sumatriptan interactions
The following drugs interact with Sumatriptan if you take any of the following contact your doctor:
- Other migraine treatments
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Citalopram, Sertraline
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Phenelzine
If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your doctor, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
If you take an anti-depressant or St John's wort alongside Sumatriptan you may experience 'serotonin syndrome'. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- Feeling agitated
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Increased heart rate
More information on serotonin syndrome can be found here
Sumatriptan Tablets alternatives
If you find Sumatriptan does not work for you, there are other triptans available to try such as:
You can try Sumatriptan in a nasal form:
You can also try over the counter medicine either instead of or alongside Sumatriptan such as:
Frequently asked questions
How many Sumatriptan tablets can I take?
Take the dose of sumatriptan prescribed for you. If it relieved the migraine but the headache returns, you may repeat the prescribed dose after at least 2 hours. Do not repeat it for the same attack if the first dose did not help. The maximum is 300mg in 24 hours, or a lower amount if your prescription says so. Count the total milligrams, because tablets come in different strengths.
Is it safe to take Sumatriptan long term?
Sumatriptan is well tolerated and studies have shown it is safe to be taken long term.
Is it safe to buy Sumatriptan tablets from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.Do Sumatriptan tablets expire?
Yes, like most medicines has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store Sumatriptan tablets?
Sumatriptan tablets should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Incorrect storage could result in the medication becoming less effective.
How quickly do Sumatriptan tablets work?
The tablets usually begin to work in around 30 to 60 minutes. The nasal spray acts a little bit faster with an effect seen after 15 minutes.
Will Sumatriptan tablets work?
Sumatriptan tablets have been shown to either completely get rid of or reduce the pain of migraines in 77% of people using it compared to placebo.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Sumatriptan tablets?
Yes, you can drink alcohol but be aware that alcohol can sometimes be the cause migraines.
Sources and further information
- NICE CG150: Headaches in over 12s: recommendations (checked 8 September 2026)
- eMC: Sumatriptan 50mg film-coated Tablets: professional information (Dr. Reddy's) (checked 8 September 2026)
- NHS: Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking sumatriptan (checked 8 September 2026)
- Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)
