Sumatriptan - for migraine and cluster headaches Imigran, Migraitan

Last updated by Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani, BPharm
Last updated Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

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Use sumatriptan as soon as the migraine headache or cluster headache develops.

It can make you feel tired or sleepy. If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.

Your chest may feel tight or 'heavy' after taking sumatriptan. These sensations do not usually last for long, but if they continue or become intense, do not take any more sumatriptan and let your doctor know as soon as possible. Other side-effects may occur, but they are generally mild and do not last for long.

Type of medicine5HT1-receptor agonist (also known as a 'triptan')
Used forTreatment of acute migraine attacks and cluster headaches
Also calledImigran®; Migraitan®
Available asTablets, dispersible tablets, nasal spray and injection

In people with migraine, it is thought that some chemicals in the brain increase in activity and as a result parts of the brain then send out confused signals which result in the symptoms of headache and sickness. Why people with migraine should develop these chemical changes is not clear. Many migraine attacks occur for no apparent reason, but for some people there may be things which trigger an attack, like certain foods or drinks.

Cluster headaches consist of attacks of severe one-sided pain in the head. Typically, a number of attacks will occur over several weeks and then pass. It may then be weeks, months or years until the next cluster of headaches develops.

Sumatriptan belongs to a class of medicines known as 5HT1-receptor agonists. They are also known simply as triptans. Triptans work by stimulating the receptors of a natural substance in the brain, called serotonin (or 5HT). This eases the symptoms of migraine and cluster headaches.

There are two strengths of sumatriptan tablet available (50 mg and 100 mg), one strength of injection (6 mg/0.5 ml) and one strength of nasal spray (10 mg/actuation). The injection is usually prescribed for people with cluster headaches, whereas the injection, spray or tablets may be prescribed for people with migraines.

Sumatriptan 50 mg tablets can be purchased from pharmacies for the treatment of migraine headache. The pharmacist will need to check that the medicine is suitable for you to take.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking sumatriptan it is important that your doctor knows:

  • If you are aged over 65 years or under 18 years.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • If you have a heart condition such as angina, or if you have had a heart attack.
  • If you have high blood pressure (hypertension).
  • If you have circulation problems.
  • If you have any problems with the way your liver works or with the way your kidneys work.
  • If you have ever had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (this is also referred to as a TIA, or 'mini-stroke').
  • If you have ever had a fit (seizure).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to a sulfonamide antibiotic (such as co-trimoxazole or sulfadiazine).
  • If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
  • Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about sumatriptan and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it. It will also provide you with a step-by-step guide and diagrams to show you how to use the preparation you have been supplied with. If you are still unsure what to do, ask your pharmacist for further advice.
  • Your dose will be on the label of the pack. Take sumatriptan exactly as your doctor tells you to.
  • If you are taking tablets: take one (50 mg or 100 mg) tablet with a drink of water, as soon as the headache phase develops. You can take Imigran Radis® tablets stirred into a small amount of water. If your migraine at first improves but then comes back, you may take a further dose, providing it is at least two hours after the initial dose. If the first tablet has no effect, do not try a second dose for the same attack, as it is unlikely to work.
  • If you are using the injection: inject one dose as soon as the headache develops. If your headache at first improves but then comes back, you may use one further dose, providing it is at least one hour after the initial dose. Do not use more than two doses in 24 hours. If the first dose has no effect, do not try a second dose for the same attack, as it is unlikely to work. The needle shield may contain natural latex rubber.
  • If you using the nasal spray: use the spray as soon as the headache phase develops. If your migraine at first improves but then comes back, you can use the spray again providing it is at least two hours after your first dose. Do not use the spray more than twice in 24 hours. If the first spray has no effect, do not try a second dose for the same attack, as it is unlikely to work.

If you have migraines

  • Sumatriptan is used to treat headache pain during a migraine attack, not to stop the pain from coming on. You should wait until the migraine symptoms start to develop, rather than taking it when you feel that a migraine may be developing.
  • Do not take other migraine treatments (such as other triptans or ergotamine) at the same time as sumatriptan.
  • Some people may benefit from taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller (such as naproxen) in addition to sumatriptan. Your doctor will advise you about this if it is recommended for you.
  • If you find that sumatriptan does not relieve your migraine, make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor, as an alternative medicine may be more effective for you.
  • It may help to keep a migraine diary. Note down when and where each migraine attack started, what you were doing, and what you had eaten that day. A pattern may emerge and it may be possible for you to avoid some of the things that trigger your migraine attacks.
  • Sumatriptan is used to treat migraine attacks once the pain has started, but there are other medicines available that may help to reduce the number of migraine attacks. If you have migraines frequently, discuss this with your doctor.
  • Some people who get frequent migraine attacks are in fact getting medication-induced headache. Medication-induced headache (also called medication-overuse headache) is caused by taking painkillers or triptans too often. If you use sumatriptan or painkillers on more than two days a week on a regular basis, you may be at risk of this. You should talk with your doctor if you suspect it.

If you have cluster headaches

  • Sumatriptan is usually given by injection for cluster headache, as it provides pain relief in about 5-15 minutes in most people.
  • You will be shown how to use the injection. You should use it as soon as a headache occurs. The adult dose is one 6 mg injection for each headache. If you get more than one headache a day, the maximum dose you can have in 24 hours is two 6 mg injections. You must leave at least one hour between the two injections.
  • You may also be prescribed another medicine to try to prevent the headaches from occurring. Preventative treatment is often taken over the period of the cluster headaches and is then stopped, although some treatments are taken longer-term.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with sumatriptan. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common sumatriptan side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this?
Feeling dizzy, sleepy, or tiredIf this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines
Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)Stick to simple foods
Feelings of tightness or heaviness, particularly in the throat or chestIf the pain is intense, do not take any further doses and speak with your doctor about it as soon as possible
Tingling feelings, feeling flushed, feeling warm or cold, aches and pains, increased blood pressure, feeling short of breathIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor
Unpleasant or bitter taste (if using the nasal spray), and injection site reactions (if using the injection)These should soon pass

If you experience any other symptoms that you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with your other medicines.

If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine, ask your pharmacist.

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