Sumatriptan
Book a quick face-to-face video consultation with a certified prescribing pharmacist, nurse, or doctor. If approved, your Sumatriptan will be prescribed* and delivered straight to your door with free next-day delivery†. No hidden fees. No delays. Just expert care.
* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.
Other Related Treatments
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Sumatriptan Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Imitrex, Imigran
About Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan succinate is classed as a selective serotonin receptor agonist, or triptan. It is thought to work by reversing the widening of blood vessels in the brain, helping to ease the symptoms of migraine. Sumatriptan is most effective when used at the start of a migraine attack.
Sumatriptan is available with a prescription or over the counter under the brand name Imigran. NowPatient offers Sumatriptan or Imigran as treatments for migraines only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Sumatriptan
- For the treatment of migraine attacks
- Sumatriptan has some common side effects which include drowsiness and nausea
- It can be dangerous if you take Sumatriptan with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Sumatriptan not suitable for?
Sumatriptan may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Sumatriptan if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to Sumatriptan
- Have had a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Have liver disease
- Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants
- Are taking other triptan medicines
- Are taking other migraine treatments, such as ergotamine or its derivatives, methysergide
- Have a history of epilepsy
- Are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants, or St. John’s wort
How and where to get Sumatriptan?
You can buy Sumatriptan safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of migraines, you can discuss if Sumatriptan is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Sumatriptan for migraines
Sumatriptan is available as tablets, solution for injection and as a nasal spray when used for migraine attacks. It is available in strengths ranging from 50 mg to 100 mg tablets, and 10mg to 20mg nasal sprays.
Information about how to take Sumatriptan for migraines
Sumatriptan tablets are taken orally with or without food when migraines first appear. They should not be taken when you experience aura symptoms such as tingling, dizziness, or issues with your vision.
Sumatriptan can be prescribed when pain killers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen, have not been effective. It can also be used in combination with NSAIDs to treat migraine headaches.
Sumatriptan nasal spray is taken at the start of a migraine attack for best effect, but will also give relief if taken later. Spray into one nostril. If ineffective, take a second dose after 2 hours.
Read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication or speak to a healthcare professional for medical advice.
What happens if you take too much Sumatriptan?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Sumatriptan and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Sumatriptan?
Side effects of Sumatriptan are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Chest pain
- Tingling sensations
- Nosebleed
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Hot flushes
- Shortness of breath
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about taking Sumatriptan at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Sumatriptan. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can Sumatriptan taken for migraines be taken long term?
You should not use Sumatriptan too often. Speak to your doctor if your migraine does not go away, or if you have migraines or cluster headaches on a regular basis.
Is there a herbal Sumatriptan?
No. Herbal Sumatriptan does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Sumatriptan?
Women can take Sumatriptan for the treatment of migraine attacks. However it is important to not breastfeed your baby within 12 hours after taking a Sumatriptan dose. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or suspect you are pregnant, before taking Sumatriptan.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Sumatriptan?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Sumatriptan, but you should avoid alcohol during a migraine attack.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with migraines?
- Maintain regular sleep patterns
- Exercise
- Eat regular healthy meals
- Reduce your stress
- Avoiding triggers
Alternatives to Sumatriptan
Alternatives for the treatment of migraines include other triptans such as zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan and almotriptan, or painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Related Articles
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Sumatriptan
What is Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan is the most widely prescribed triptan medication for the acute treatment of migraine attacks. It is a selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist available as 50 mg and 100 mg tablets, a nasal spray (10 mg and 20 mg), and a subcutaneous injection (6 mg). The brand-name version is Imigran. Sumatriptan 50 mg tablets are available over the counter from pharmacies in the UK (branded as Imigran Recovery), while higher doses and other formulations require a prescription.
How does Sumatriptan work?
Sumatriptan activates serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptors on intracranial blood vessels and trigeminal nerve endings. This causes constriction of dilated cranial blood vessels, reduces the release of vasoactive neuropeptides (including CGRP) from trigeminal sensory nerve endings, and inhibits pain signal transmission. These actions address the key pathological mechanisms of migraine: vasodilation, neurogenic inflammation, and trigeminal nerve activation.
Can I buy Sumatriptan over the counter?
Yes, sumatriptan 50 mg tablets (two tablets per pack, branded as Imigran Recovery) are available over the counter from pharmacies for adults aged 18–65 with a previously diagnosed migraine. The pharmacist will ask questions to confirm your migraine diagnosis and check for contraindications. The 100 mg tablets, nasal spray, and injection formulations require a prescription. If you need sumatriptan regularly or at higher doses, see your GP or use a service like NowPatient.
How do I take Sumatriptan tablets?
Take one sumatriptan tablet (50 mg or 100 mg) as early as possible at the onset of migraine headache, with water. If the headache improves but returns, a second dose may be taken after at least 2 hours. The maximum dose is 300 mg in 24 hours for tablets. If the first dose provides no relief at all, do not take a second dose for the same attack — try a different treatment. Sumatriptan can be taken with or without food. For fastest absorption, take on an empty stomach, though nausea may make this difficult.
Which sumatriptan formulation is fastest?
The subcutaneous injection (6 mg) has the fastest onset — relief begins within 10–15 minutes. The nasal spray (20 mg) works within 15–30 minutes. Tablets (50–100 mg) take 30–60 minutes for onset. The injection is usually reserved for severe migraines or those with significant vomiting where oral absorption is unreliable. The nasal spray is a good middle option when nausea prevents tablet use. Your prescriber can recommend the most appropriate formulation based on your migraine pattern.
What are the side effects of Sumatriptan?
Common side effects include tingling, warmth, heaviness, pressure or tightness in the chest, throat, or limbs (triptan sensations), dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and flushing. These sensations are generally mild and last 30–60 minutes. Injection site reactions (pain, redness) occur with the subcutaneous formulation. The nasal spray may cause an unpleasant taste. Serious side effects are rare but include chest pain (seek urgent medical attention), serotonin syndrome if combined with SSRIs/SNRIs, and allergic reactions.
Can Sumatriptan cause medication-overuse headache?
Yes, using sumatriptan (or any triptan) on 10 or more days per month can lead to medication-overuse headache (MOH), a condition where the headaches become more frequent and resistant to treatment. If you find yourself needing sumatriptan on 10+ days per month, speak to your GP about preventive migraine treatment. Withdrawal from the overused medication, with medical support, is the key to treating MOH.
What medications interact with Sumatriptan?
Key interactions include: other triptans and ergotamine preparations (do not use within 24 hours); SSRIs and SNRIs (theoretical risk of serotonin syndrome, though risk is considered low in practice — UK MHRA advises awareness of symptoms); MAO inhibitors (contraindicated — increased sumatriptan levels); and lithium. Sumatriptan has no significant interaction with paracetamol, NSAIDs, or hormonal contraceptives. Always inform your prescriber of all current medications.
Can I take Sumatriptan during pregnancy?
Data on sumatriptan in pregnancy are relatively reassuring, with the pregnancy registry showing no significant increase in birth defects. However, it should only be used when the benefit outweighs the risk. NICE and the BNF state that sumatriptan may be used in pregnancy if the prescriber considers it appropriate. Paracetamol is the preferred first-line analgesic for migraine in pregnancy. Sumatriptan is considered compatible with breastfeeding.
How can I get Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan 50 mg is available OTC from pharmacies as Imigran Recovery. For 100 mg tablets, nasal sprays, or injections, a prescription from your GP or online service like NowPatient is needed. If you have frequent migraines, NowPatient can provide ongoing prescriptions and discuss whether preventive migraine treatment might be beneficial.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
Report to
OUR CUSTOMERS VIEW
What Customers Love About Our Service
We want everyone to be happy and healthy, that’s what keeps us going. Read what some of them have to say about us.
Medicines Experts
Meet Our Medical Team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
Jamie Winn
US Board Certified Pharmacist
Ketan Patel
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Daniel Cheung
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Monica Khosla
Medical Writer
Stefano Mirabello
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Rajive Patel
Medical Writer
DeLon Canterbury
US Board Certified Pharmacist/PGX & Deprescribing Specialist
Amish Patel
Superintendent Pharmacist/Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Aseel Hamoud Bedan
Hospital Consultant
Navin Khosla
UK Responsible Person (UKRP/Pharmacist Independent Prescriber)
Ihtesham Sabri
Medical Director