Sumatriptan

What is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is a form of migraine relief tablet. It works by reducing swollen blood vessels around the brain, which is what causes migraines. Sumatriptan is the core ingredient used in common, branded forms of migraine relief tablets such as Imigran. You’ll take Sumatriptan when you first spot the signs of a migraine (for example vision problems you get with aura, or the start of your headache).

One of the things that sets this medication apart is how much cheaper it is compared to other treatments. Sumatriptan is a generic medicine made by several companies and not just one. Just as with other things like clothes and food, pharmaceutical products that are name brands tend to be more expensive.

How does Sumatriptan work?

Migraines happen when blood vessels around the brain enlarge and swell. This is why it can feel like our head is expanding and throbbing when we suffer from headaches. The active ingredient in Sumatriptan mimics a chemical in your brain called serotonin. By doing this it causes the inflamed vessels in your brain to narrow, which eases the feeling of pain.

Some people also get something called aura when they have migraines. Aura is best defined as a kind of warning sign that usually comes before a headache kicks in. Symptoms of this can include patchy dark spots or zig zaggy lines interfering with your vision, dizziness and a feeling of pins and needles.

You can take Sumatriptan for migraines with or without aura, as it’s shown to be effective for both types.

What doses of Sumatriptan are there?

Sumatriptan comes in two doses: 50mg and 100mg. It’s normal to start on the lower dose and increase it if your symptoms don’t improve. Most medications can cause side effects, migraine tablets included. This is more likely if you take a higher dose, which is why you’ll normally start on the lower dose first to see if it works.

There are lower doses of Sumatriptan available but they’re administered differently. Imigran for example has nasal sprays which range from 10 to 20mg in dosage. But even though it’s a lower dose, because it’s used ‘locally’ (close to the brain), the effects of the dose are faster than a tablet in the same dose would be. The generic version, Sumatriptan, is only available from us as a tablet (and not a nasal spray or injection).

How to take Sumatriptan

Follow the instructions when you take this medicine. This will help it to work at its best. If there’s anything you aren’t sure about, ask our clinician.

• Take as advised by our prescriber.
• In most cases, this will be one tablet containing 50mg as and when required, when symptoms of a migraine attack begin to appear.
• You should only need one tablet per attack.
• If your symptoms return, you can take another tablet, as long as it’s been at least two hours since your original dose.
• You may be prescribed an increased dose of 100mg if the 50mg tablets are not effective for you.
• Swallow your tablet whole with water.
• Don’t take more than 300mg in any one 24-hour period or exceed the amount prescribed for you.

How long does it take Sumatriptan to work?

You should feel the effects of your migraine easing within 30-60 minutes of taking one Sumatriptan tablet. In a 2012 review of people using Sumatriptan, three in 10 people using the 100mg dose reported a decrease from ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’ pain to no pain by two hours. And six in 10 people reported that after two hours of taking 100mg, their pain reduced from ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’ to no worse than ‘mild’ .

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Sumatriptan?

Let a doctor know or go to your nearest hospital if you take more Sumatriptan than you should. It’s important that you never exceed the amount laid out in the product information leaflet. With Sumatriptan the maximum dosage in any one 24-hour period is 300mg. So, the number of tablets you can take will depend on the dosage you have been prescribed. If you have exceeded this limit then you need to speak with your doctor for urgent advice.