Sumatriptan Tablets 50mg

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 migraines or cluster headaches 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 and cluster headaches 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

Sumatriptan's usual dose is initially 50–100 mg for 1 dose, followed by 50–100 mg after at least 2 hours if required. To a maximum of 300mg a day.
The second dose is only to be taken if migraine recurs, do not take another dose for the same attack if the initial dose did not work.
Do not take Sumatriptan as a preventative measure.

Sumatriptan vs Imigran

Imigran is simply the brand name for Sumatriptan, which was first made by GlaxoSmithKleine, 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

1. Lack of energy
2. Dizziness
3. Drowsiness
4. Feeling sick (nausea)
5. Vomiting
6. Struggling to breath
7. 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 migraines or cluster headaches can cause drowsiness. If you take it and feel drowsy or feel drowsy from the migraine or cluster headache do not drive or operate any machinery.

Sumatriptan tablets and pregnancy

There is limited evidence on the use of Sumatriptan during pregnancy, it is unlikely to be harmful, but you should consult with a doctor to discuss the risks vs benefit.

Sumatriptan tablets and breastfeeding

It is safe to use while breastfeeding as while it is present in milk the amount will be too small to be harmful. You can further reduce the risk by withholding breast-feeding for 12 hours after taking a dose.

Who cannot take Sumatriptan tablets

Sumatriptan may not suitable if you:

1. Have previously had an allergic reacion to Sumatriptan
2. Have a heart problem
3. Have an irregular heart beat
4. Have recently heart attack
5. Suffer from circulation problems
6. Suffer from seizures or fits
7. Have liver problems
8. Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
9. Are a heavy smoker

Sumatriptan interactions

The following drugs interact with Sumatriptan if you take any of the following contact your doctor:

1. Other migraine treatments
2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Citalopram, Sertraline
3. 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:

1. Feeling agitated
2. Nausea
3. Indigestion
4. Diarrhoea
5. Constipation
6. 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:

• Rizatriptan
• Zolmitriptan
• Imigran
• Maxalt Melts (Rizatriptan)

You can try Sumatriptan in a nasal form:

• Imigran Nasal Spray

You can also try over the counter medicine either instead of or alongside Sumatriptan such as:

• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
• Buccastem M

More Sumatriptan Tablets information

If you would like more information, you can find the SPC here.

• How many Sumatriptan tablets can I take?

  You can only take one tablet per migraine attack, do not take 2 tablets for the same attack. If you take a tablet and 2 hours later suffer another migraine you can take another tablet. Do not exceed more than two tablets of Sumatriptan in any 24-hour period.

• 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 and cluster headaches.