Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a prescription medication used for migraine relief. It belongs to a class of medicines known as triptans and contains the active ingredient sumatriptan succinate.

This medication is used to relieve symptoms of migraine headaches and should be taken at the onset of an attack. It is not used to prevent migraines.

Generic Sumatriptan was patented in 1982 and first approved for use as a migraine medication in 1991. It was the first triptan ever discovered. Sumatriptan is available to buy from euroClinix in tablet form or as a nasal spray.

Is Sumatriptan the same as Imigran?

Yes, Imigran is just the branded version of Sumatriptan. Both contain the same active ingredient and work through the same mechanism of action, making them medically equivalent.

Generic Sumatriptan and Imigran do differ, however, in price, manufacturer, and the name on the packaging. Imigran is also available as a nasal spray.

Like other triptans, sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist. These medicines bind to serotonin receptors and narrow blood vessels in the brain which are thought to widen during a migraine headache. This helps to:

• Stop pain signals from being sent to the brain
• Block the release of certain chemicals that cause inflammation
• Relieve pain, nausea and other symptoms of a migraine

Sumatriptan is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for migraine relief. The benefits of this medicine include:

• Proven to be effective in clinical trials: sumatriptan has been found to be far more effective than a placebo in treating symptoms of a migraine.
• Fast-acting migraine relief: studies show sumatriptan to be a very efficient migraine medication. You should start to feel relief about 30 minutes after taking it.
• Usually well-tolerated: clinical trials have found side effects due to sumatriptan use to be rare and mild.
• Can increase productivity: sumatriptan has been shown to increase productivity in those suffering from migraines.
• Available as a nasal spray: a nasal spray containing sumatriptan is available to those who have trouble taking oral medication.

Sumatriptan may not be suitable for everyone. Complete the online questionnaire at euroClinix for a doctor's review, or consult with your own doctor to determine the best treatment for you.

Who can take it?

Sumatriptan is prescribed for the treatment of migraine symptoms at the onset of an attack. To get a prescription, you need to be:

• Over the age of 18
• Suffering from migraines

Sumatriptan is typically prescribed to those who experience severe pain. Only those who have completed an online consultation and have been approved by one of our doctors can be prescribed Sumatriptan.

Who cannot take it?

You cannot take sumatriptan if you have:

• An allergy to sumatriptan or any other ingredients found in this medicine
• Heart problems such as:
  • Narrowing of the arteries
  • Chest pains
  • Heart attacks
• Experienced a stroke or a mini-stroke
• Blood circulation problems
• High blood pressure
• Severe liver problems

Who may not be able to take it?

Some conditions could make Sumatriptan unsuitable for you, and these need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Our online consultation will determine if Sumatriptan is appropriate based on your health information. Inform our doctors if you have:

• An intolerance to some sugars, as Sumatriptan can increase glucose levels during a migraine attack.
• Reduced liver or kidney function, since Sumatriptan can cause further damage to these organs.
• A history of fits or seizures, as Sumatriptan can trigger them.
• A smoking habit, as heavy smoking can increase the risk of ischaemic heart disease.

How to take oral sumatriptan

Here are some tips to remember when taking oral sumatriptan:

• Take it as soon as you feel a migraine coming on. Clinical studies have found sumatriptan to be more effective when taken sooner rather than later.
• You may take it at any point during a migraine, but this will be less effective than if taken earlier.
• Do not use sumatriptan to prevent a migraine. If no symptoms are present, it will have no effect.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not chew or crush the tablets as this can affect how the medication is absorbed.

These tips will help you use Sumatriptan safely and effectively. For further information on how to take your medication, consult the patient information leaflet included with your order.

Taking sumatriptan as soon as symptoms appear is the most effective way to relieve symptoms of a migraine headache. However, you should not use sumatriptan to prevent a migraine, only treat it

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

The first 3 bullet points above apply for both oral Sumatriptan and nasal Sumatriptan, however, there are some more things to keep in mind if using the spray. See the following section for further information about the spray and instructions on how to use it.

How to use Sumatriptan nasal spray

Instructions for use
	Remove the nasal spray from the blister packaging. Get into a comfortable position. Blow your nose if you feel like it’s blocked or you have a cold. Hold the finger grip on the nasal spray gently with your fingers and thumb.
	Block one nostril by pressing a finger firmly on the side of your nose. It doesn’t matter which nostril. Put the nozzle of the nasal spray into the other nostril as far as it feels comfortable (about 1cm).
	Breathe in gently through your nose and firmly press the blue plunger as you breathe in. Remove the nozzle and keep your head upright for 10-20 seconds. Make sure none of the medicine escapes your nose. Safely and hygienically discard the empty nasal spray.

Your nose may feel wet and you may experience a strange taste in your mouth after administering the spray. This is normal, and will quickly go away.

How often can I take Sumatriptan?

You should only take sumatriptan when you feel symptoms of a migraine.

Follow these instructions when taking Sumatriptan:

Tablets

1. Only take 1 tablet to start with
2. Do not take a second dose for the same migraine attack, even if the first one doesn’t completely alleviate symptoms
3. Wait at least 2 hours in between doses
4. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours

Nasal spray

The dosage instructions are the same for a sumatriptan nasal spray as they are for tablets. Only in this case, each dose is 1 spray instead of 1 tablet.

How long does Sumatriptan take to work?

You should start to feel the effects of this medication around 30 minutes after you take it.

The effects are most strongly felt 2-4 hours after ingestion. It takes 10 hours for your body to be completely clear of sumatriptan, so it is important not to take more than your doctor has told you to.

The nasal spray works faster. After using it, you should feel the effects within 15 minutes. However, the effects will not last as long this way.

Keep in mind that this is the general dosage, and yours may differ. Always take your medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed.

Special considerations

• If a migraine returns, you must not take another dose of sumatriptan for the same attack.
• If the first dose is ineffective, you can take paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
• Another dose can be taken if at least 2 hours have passed after the first dose.
• The maximum daily dose of sumatriptan is 300mg if taking tablets or 40mg if using the nasal spray.

What if I take too much?

If you take more Sumatriptan than you should, immediately seek medical help.

Taking more sumatriptan than intended can increase the occurrence and severity of side effects, and if a lot is taken at one time, can lead to an overdose. If you do not seek medical help after an overdose, the consequences can be fatal.

Clinical trials have found sumatriptan to be a safe and effective migraine medication.

An analysis of three clinical trials found sumatriptan to be almost twice as effective as a placebo at treating symptoms of a migraine like headaches and sensitivity to light. This rate of effectiveness increased further when a 100mg dose was taken as opposed to a 50mg dose.

Triptans are an effective and well-tolerated medication for the treatment of migraines, providing fast pain relief in most people.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

As with all medicines, Sumatriptan can cause side effects.

Allergic reaction

If you experience an allergic reaction from Sumatriptan, you must stop using it and see a doctor immediately.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Skin rash
• Swollen eyelids
• Swollen face or lips
• Sudden wheezing
• Tightness of the chest

For a full list of sumatriptan side effects, refer to the included with your medication.

Yes, Sumatriptan can interact with certain medications and supplements. Inform your doctor if you are taking or plan to take any of the following:

*Watch for signs of serotonin syndrome, such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, agitation, hallucinations, and coordination problems. Seek medical help immediately if you experience these symptoms.

It is important that your doctor is aware of any medications you are taking before they prescribe sumatriptan. You must inform them of all medications, even those not on this list, during your consultation.

As well as medical interactions, there are some other safety precautions that must be taken when using Sumatriptan.

Safety Tips

Pregnancy Consult your doctor

If you are pregnant, think you might be, or are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using Sumatriptan.

Breastfeeding Consult your doctor

Sumatriptan passes into breast milk. Discuss with your doctor whether to use Sumatriptan while breastfeeding.

Alcohol Caution

Limit alcohol intake while taking Sumatriptan, as it may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness or drowsiness.

Driving Caution

Sumatriptan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Overuse risk Caution

Overuse of Sumatriptan can lead to medication overuse headaches. Use only as prescribed and consult your doctor if headaches become more frequent.

While Sumatriptan is effective for treating migraines, making some lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity and frequency of migraine attacks:

Sleep

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule by waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Ensure quality sleep by aiming for 7-9 hours each night.
• Limit screen time before bed and read a book instead for better sleep.

Diet and nutrition

• Avoid foods that trigger migraines, such as chocolate, aged cheeses, caffeine, and processed foods.
• Eat consistently at the same times each day.
• Don’t skip meals, as fasting can lower blood sugar and cause headaches.
• Keep a food journal to track what you eat and identify potential triggers.

Physical activity

• Engage in regular physical activity like walking, cycling, or swimming to reduce migraine severity. Regular physical activity has been found to reduce the severity of migraine headaches.
• Avoid overexertion, as intense physical activity may trigger migraines.

Stress management

• Practise deep breathing techniques to relax and reduce migraine frequency and severity. Relaxation therapy may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
• Try yoga, which has been shown to help reduce migraines.
• Take regular breaks to avoid overexertion and becoming overwhelmed.

Hydration

Keep a food journal to track potential food triggers as certain foods, such as citrus fruits, caffeine and alcohol, can trigger headaches in some people. Bear in mind that it can take up to a day for a migraine to develop after eating a trigger food.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Storage instructions

Tablets

Sumatriptan tablets do not require any particular storage instructions, but there are some general guidelines you need to follow:

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton. The date refers to the last day of that month
• Keep this medicine dry and away from direct heat and moisture

Nasal spray

The guidelines above also apply to the nasal spray. However, there are some more things to keep in mind. To safely store your sumatriptan nasal spray, also follow these instructions:

• Do not store above 30°C
• Do not freeze
• Keep this medicine in the sealed blister in the box before use
• Keep away from direct light

Disposal

Do not throw away this medicine via wastewater or household waste. These measures will help to protect the environment.

Take any unused medicine to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

No, you cannot buy Sumatriptan over the counter. To purchase Sumatriptan, you must have a prescription from a registered doctor. This is done to ensure that a doctor can assess your condition and determine if this medicine is suitable for you.

Ordering Sumatriptan through euroClinix is simple and secure. Follow these steps:

• Start a confidential online questionnaire from the top of this page. It will take about 5-10 minutes to complete.
• A UK-registered doctor will review your consultation.
• If approved, the doctor will issue an electronic prescription.
• A licensed UK pharmacy will send your medication in discreet packaging. The pharmacy will also share tracking information. You get free next-day delivery.

euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with the relevant regulatory standards and the use of encrypted transactions.

euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.

The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.

The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely.

Choosing euroClinix ensures a trusted, professional, and supportive service to treat your migraine. Start your journey with euroClinix today and experience our expert care.

If sumatriptan doesn’t work for you, another triptan may be a suitable alternative. Our doctors at euroClinix can prescribe alternative treatment if needed.

Sumatriptan can also be taken as a subcutaneous injection, however, this is not offered by euroClinix.

Other sumatriptan alternatives

• NSAIDs: anti-inflammatory painkillers available over the counter. They aren’t as effective but they are easy to obtain and can be taken with triptans if your doctor has said this is okay.
• Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists: CGRP antagonists like rimegepant and ubrogepant can be used to manage migraine symptoms or to prevent attacks.
• Anti-nausea drugs: drugs like chlorpromazine and metoclopramide can help if your migraines are accompanied with nausea and vomiting. However, they do not help with the pain, and are usually taken alongside other medications.
• Opioid medications: if other migraine medications cannot be taken or have been found to be ineffective, opioids may be prescribed. These are not likely to be prescribed as they can be highly addictive, and so may only be prescribed as a last resort.

Which is more effective, tablets or a nasal spray?

The most effective method of treatment will depend on multiple factors, so it is difficult to make a definitive statement on which one is better. However, there are some differences between the two that can make it easier to decide which treatment to use.

In general, nasal sprays are faster-acting since they don't have to travel through your digestive system, but they don’t last as long as oral treatments. Your decision should be informed by what you’re most comfortable with. And remember, you can always switch treatments if your initial choice is ineffective.