Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a tablet used to relieve migraines. It helps by reducing the swelling of blood vessels around the brain, which is what triggers migraines. Sumatriptan is the key ingredient in well-known migraine relief tablets like Imigran. You should take Sumatriptan as soon as you notice the early signs of a migraine, such as vision issues with aura or the beginning of a headache.

What makes this medication stand out is its affordability compared to other treatments. Sumatriptan is a generic medicine, produced by various companies, not just one. Similar to clothing and food, brand-name pharmaceuticals are usually pricier.

Migraines occur when the blood vessels surrounding the brain become larger and swell. This is why it can feel as though our head is expanding and throbbing during a headache. While the exact cause isn't known, some common triggers for migraines include:

The active ingredient in Sumatriptan works like a chemical in your brain called serotonin. It helps the swollen blood vessels in your brain to tighten, which reduces the pain.

Migraines can bring about other complications as well. Some individuals experience what's known as an aura with their migraines. An aura is essentially a warning sign that often appears before the headache starts. Symptoms might include dark patches or zig-zag lines affecting your vision, dizziness, and a tingling sensation like pins and needles.

You can use Sumatriptan to treat migraines whether you have an aura or not, as it's proven to work for both.

Sumatriptan is available in two strengths: 50mg and 100mg. Typically, you'll begin with the lower dose and may increase it if your symptoms don't get better. Like most medicines, migraine tablets can cause side effects, especially at higher doses. That's why it's common to start with the lower dose to check if it’s effective for you.

There are lower doses of Sumatriptan, but they're given in different ways. For instance, Imigran comes in nasal sprays with doses between 10 and 20mg. Although it's a lower dose, because it's applied directly near the brain, it works faster than a tablet of the same dose. The generic Sumatriptan is only available from us as a tablet, not as a nasal spray or injection.

There's not a lot of difference between this and other medicines with the same ingredients, as tryptamine-based drugs all work similarly. One key difference is that some treatments, like Imigran, are available as sprays, while Sumatriptan is mostly found in tablet or injection form.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Sumatriptan is an effective medication for relieving migraines. Studies have revealed that most people who use this medication experience a reduction in pain from 'severe' or 'moderate' to 'mild' or 'none' within two hours.

Yes, Sumatriptan requires a prescription, and our clinician will need to ensure it's safe and suitable for you before prescribing it.