Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a medicine used in the treatment of migraine headaches or cluster headache. It is available with the brand name Imigran or just as Sumatriptan.

Can I get Sumatriptan online?

The Online Clinic can prescribe Sumatriptan online for people who suffer from migraines. We just require you to complete a short online questionnaire about your medical history.

What is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is a type of medicine known as a 5HT1-receptor agonist, meaning that it stimulates the receptors of a naturally occurring brain chemical called 5HT (or serotonin). This group of medicines are collectively known as triptans. During a migraine attack the blood vessels in the brain widen, and sumatriptan helps to return them to normal, thus relieving the headache and other symptoms, e.g., feeling/being sick and sensitivity to light and sound.

How to use Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is available as a tablet, a nasal spray, and an injection. Sumatriptan should be used as soon as the migraine or a cluster headache begins, although it can be used during the attack. It is not for use to prevent a migraine happening.

Your doctor will explain the preparation and dose of sumatriptan that is appropriate for you, when and how to take it, what to do if the symptoms return, and if the medicine does not work. In general:

• One 50 mg or 100 mg tablet is taken whole with water. Another tablet may be taken after 2 hours but no more than 300 mg should be taken in 24 hours.
• One 6 mg injection is usually given in the thigh. A second injection can be administered one hour after the first but this should not be a new injection or another form of sumatriptan. Please note, we do not supply the injection version.
• An individual nasal spray 10 mg or 20 mg is sprayed into one nostril only. A second nasal spray can be used after 2 hours but only two sprays are permitted in any one 24-hour period

Who can use Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is for people who suffer migraines or cluster headache. The medicine is for use by adults aged 18–65 years. This medicine should not be used by children younger than 18 years or people older than 65 years. Sumatriptan spray, however, can be used by adolescents who are 12–17 years of age.

You should not take Sumatriptan if you are allergic to it or to any of the other formulation ingredients. Also mention to your doctor if you suffer from low blood pressure, heart problems, problems with circulation in your legs, if you have had a stroke, have liver or kidney disease, an allergy to antibiotics, or sugar intolerance. Similarly, you should let your doctor know if you take medicines containing other 5HT1 agonists, ergotamine (or similar treatments), or antidepressants. If you are already taking sumatriptan tell your doctor, and specifically detail if it makes your headaches worse or causes pain or tightness in your chest.

Sumatriptan Side Effects

A few side effects may occur as a result of the preparation, such as pain, stinging, redness, and swelling at the injection site; or an unpleasant taste, nose bleeds, and nose/throat irritation following a nasal spray. Some reported side effects may be symptoms of migraine such as feeling/being sick and visual disturbances such as flickering, reduced/double/loss of vision. Otherwise, common side effects include chest pain, pressure or tightness, and odd sensations, e.g., numbness or hot/cold. Sumatriptan may also make you tired, dizzy, breathless, weak and aching, and raise blood pressure. Very rarely, people may have changes in their liver function. Some people may have fits or spasms, heart problems, low blood pressure, pale painful ‘extremities’ (e.g., fingers, toes, nose) brought on by cold or stress, stomach pain and diarrhoea, joint pain, and anxiety. Regardless of the side effect, tell your doctor immediately if it continues or becomes severe.