Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a migraine treatment that works directly in the brain to ease pain and other symptoms. When taken at the first signs of an attack, it starts working in as little as 15 minutes for the nasal spray, or within 30-60 minutes for the tablets, helping to ease symptoms and stop your migraine from progressing.

At 121doc, we offer Sumatriptan both as a tablet (50 mg, 100 mg) and a nasal spray (20 mg) with a prescription after a short online consultation.

Is Imigram the same as Sumatriptan?

Yes, Imigram and Sumatriptan are the same medicine, since they contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way to treat migraines. Imigram is just the branded version. However, while they are medically-equivalent, they do differ in price, manufacturer, and packaging. Take this into consideration when deciding which is better suited for you.

Sumatriptan is prescribed with care because it requires medical supervision to reduce the risk of serious side effects and harmful drug interactions. In particular, Sumatriptan can negatively affect the cardiovascular system when used too often, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Another risk with overuse of Sumatriptan is medication overuse headaches. These are persistent headaches caused by taking too much of certain medicines that get worse the more you rely on them. For these reasons, it is important to only take/use it as prescribed by your doctor. In general, your doctor will advise you to take it no more than twice a week.

Sumatriptan belongs to a group of medicines known as triptans, and works by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain, narrowing blood vessels that widen during a migraine attack. This helps stop pain signals being sent to the brain and blocks the release of chemicals that cause inflammation. When taken at the first sign of symptoms, Sumatriptan targets migraines at the source, easing symptoms before they get too bad.

The Sumatriptan nasal spray works in as little as 15 minutes to ease migraine symptoms, whereas the tablets usually take 30-60 minutes. Studies show the effects of Sumatriptan are most strongly felt 2-4 hours after ingestion.

While the nasal spray generally works faster, the effects do not usually last as long as the tablets do. Take this into account when deciding on the method of administration you use.

Sumatriptan works fast to stop migraines. In one clinical study, over half of patients taking the 50 mg dose were pain-free within 2 hours, and this number rose to 67% with 100 mg. This compares to just 28% of patients taking a placebo.

These results show Sumatriptan’s effectiveness in relieving migraine symptoms, leaving most who take it completely symptom-free.

To be prescribed Sumatriptan from 121doc, you must be 18-65 years old and diagnosed with migraine.

Do not take Sumatriptan if you have:

• an allergy to any ingredient found in Sumatriptan
• a heart problem such as narrowing of the arteries or chest pain (angina)
• ever had a heart attack
• circulation problems in your legs that cause pain when you walk (peripheral vascular disease)
• ever had a stroke or mini-stroke
• high blood pressure that is not being treated
• serious liver disease

Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor for advice before taking Sumatriptan. Research on the safety of this medication during pregnancy or when breastfeeding is limited, so a doctor will prescribe treatment on a case-by-case basis.

Sumatriptan can cause side effects you should be aware of, although most are mild and not everybody will get them. Most notably, if you feel temporary muscle spasms in the jaw, or pressure or tightness in the chest or throat, seek immediate medical help. Rarely, these may be signs of a heart attack.

Other common Sumatriptan side effects include:

• nausea or vomiting
• tiredness or drowsiness
• dizziness
• feeling weak
• hot flushes
• temporary increase in blood pressure
• shortness of breath
• muscle aches

For a list of all possible side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Yes, you can usually take paracetamol alongside Sumatriptan unless your doctor tells you otherwise, and doing so may help to manage migraine pain more effectively. Just make sure you follow the dosage instructions for each medication and speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Yes, ibuprofen is generally safe to take alongside Sumatriptan, but it’s best to check with your doctor first. Taking these medicines together can help some people manage pain more effectively, while for others Sumatriptan alone is enough.

The maximum dose of oral Sumatriptan is 3 tablets in any 24-hour period. This makes 300 mg the maximum daily dose, but only if you are prescribed the 100 mg tablets. For the nasal spray, the maximum dose is 40 mg, which equals 2 sprays in total.

Here are some general rules when taking Sumatriptan:

• If symptoms do not improve after your first dose, do not take a second dose for the same migraine attack.
• If symptoms do improve, but then return, you can take a second dose after at least 2 hours have passed.
• With tablets, a third dose may be taken after a further 2 hours if needed. With the nasal spray, do not use more than 2 sprays in 24 hours.

Tiredness or drowsiness is listed as a common side effect of Sumatriptan, meaning it affects up to 1 in 10 people who take it. If you respond to treatment in this way, make sure you give yourself time and space to rest after taking it, and do not drive or operate machinery while affected by Sumatriptan.

Generally, it is safe to drink alcohol while taking Sumatriptan. However, excessive amounts of alcohol may worsen side effects and can also worsen migraines themselves. Be wary of side effects before you drink during treatment with Sumatriptan and try to only drink in moderation if you do.

No, you cannot get Sumatriptan without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc, and our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects

To see if you"re eligible for treatment, all you have to do is complete a short online consultation. Then, if approved by our medical team, your treatment will be delivered direct to your door in discreet packaging.