Imigran tablets
Imigran tablets are effective at reducing the symptoms of a migraine headache once it’s begun. Imigran Tablets are available in two strengths – 50mg sumatriptan, and 100mg sumatriptan. The tablets do contain lactose and sodium, so if you’re intolerant to either of these, you should discuss with your own GP about whether or not Imigran is safe for you.
Whilst a majority of migraine sufferers are able to take Imigran tablets without a problem, there are some people that will need to take more care than others, and must consult their own doctor before ordering Imigran as a treatment. This includes people who have:
- An allergy to sumatriptan
- heart problems of any description
- circulation problems in the legs
- a history of stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)
- high blood pressure
- serious liver disease
- a history of seizures
- a history of liver or kidney disease
- an intolerance to some sugars
- an allergy to antibiotics called sulphonamides
- smoked heavily or are using nicotine replacement therapy
- gone through the menopause (females)
Men over the age of 40 should also take caution.
If you have any of these health conditions or problems, Imigran might not be the most suitable option for you to relieve your migraines. Please speak to your doctor if you’re thinking of taking Imigran but are concerned about any other health conditions you might have. In addition to the health issues above, you will also need to speak to your own doctor if you’re taking any of the following medicines, as these have been known to interact with Imigran (sumatriptan):
- ergotamine
- other triptan medicines
- MAOIs
- SSRIs
- SNRIs
- Antidepressants
- St John’s Wort
Taking any of these medicines alongside Imigran tablets could cause adverse effects. If you have any doubts about whether or not Imigran tablets are safe for you, please speak to your doctor for advice.
How does Imigran Work?
To understand how Imigran works, we must first look at how migraines are thought to begin. It’s believed that migraine headaches are the result of blood vessels in the brain & head widening, causing pain and various other symptoms such as visual disturbances (aura), nausea, and a sensitivity to light and sound. Imigran, as well as other triptan medications, work within the brain to narrow these blood vessels and help the flow of blood return to normal. This then reduces the symptoms of a migraine.
Although Imigran tablets help to reduce pain and other symptoms of migraine, it isn’t a painkiller. This means that you can take paracetamol alongside Imigran whilst you’re waiting for it to work. Sumatriptan should generally start working in around 30-60 minutes after you’ve taken it.
Sumatriptan is one of the most common migraine treatments available, both in branded and generic form, and works for many sufferers worldwide. However, if you find that it isn’t working for you, you should discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor.
Imigran side effects
Although Imigran works in your body to help you feel better, it can cause side effects in some people. Generally, these are tolerable in comparison to a migraine, but if you find that you’re not reacting well to the medication and that it’s making you feel ill, you should stop taking it and inform your doctor, as you may need to try another kind of medication.
Some of the most common Imigran and sumatriptan side effects include:
- Chest symptoms such as pain, pressure or tightness. These feelings may be fairly intense, but they should go away within a few minutes.
- Numbness or tingling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Hot flushes
- Temporarily increased blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches
These side effects are listed as “very common” or “common”. For more side effects, including rare and unknown frequency, please read the patient information leaflet in full, which can be found at the top of this page.
If you notice that you’re experiencing chest pains that don’t go away after a few minutes, or that worsen, you should ring 999, explain your symptoms and what you’ve taken.
What is the difference between Imigran and Sumatriptan?
Chemically, Imigran and Sumatriptan are the same drug. They both have the same ingredients list (sumatriptan). The only difference is that Imigran has a brand name on it, which makes it more expensive, whereas Sumatriptan is what is known as a “generic” drug. There is no difference in side effects, dosage, or interference with other medications between the two products.
However, if you have previously been taking Imigran, and are taking multiple medications that mean you may get them confused if you changed the name/packet type of your painkiller, you may wish to continue taking Imigran.
Imigran dosage
The most common dose of Imigran or sumatriptan is 50mg as soon as you notice a migraine headache (with pain). However, some people find that this isn’t enough and they may need to be prescribed 100mg. Your doctor will tell you whether or not you need 50mg or 100mg.
It should begin to work at relieving your symptoms within 30-60 minutes, but if it doesn’t work, you shouldn’t take another tablet. You should try to alleviate the pain with painkillers such as paracetamol or co-codamol (if this has been prescribed by your GP).
If you find that your migraine has improved, but then returns after 2 hours have passed, you may take another tablet.
The maximum dose for the tablet form of Imigran in any 24 hour period is 300mg. This equates to 6 50mg tablets, or 3 100mg tablets. You should not exceed this dose. If your migraine hasn’t improved within this amount of time and you’ve already had the maximum dose, you should contact your GP for advice.
Dosage instructions are different for the nasal spray, so please make sure that you look at the correct patient information leaflet for the treatment that you’re using.
Buy Imigran UK
Doctor4U is a UK-based online prescribing service where you can buy Imigran if you need it for migraines. It’s easy to order – just make sure that you have an account and are signed in, then click the button at the top of this page that says “click here to answer some questions about your condition”. This should take you to a 2-part online consultation form. To buy Imigran, you must complete this form in as much detail as possible, and you’ll be asked some questions about your migraines as well as if you have any allergies or health conditions that might cause issues with Imigran. Once you’ve completed this, the form will be sent to one of our doctors who will review it and decide on whether or not to prescribe it to you. If your request is approved, your order will be dispensed and shipped from our partner pharmacy in plain packaging.
To buy Imigran from Doctor4U, you must already have been diagnosed with migraines, and be a resident of the UK.
Imigran price
The price of Imigran is often higher than the price of generic sumatriptan. This is because Imigran is a brand name, whilst generic sumatriptan can be produced by many manufacturers without branded packaging.
At Doctor4U, Imigran prices start from £44.99. However, generic sumatriptan can be bought from £16.99.
It is your choice as to whether you purchase branded medication or the generic version, but please note if you order the generic version, the manufacturer may vary each time.
Advice on Addiction and Medication Restrictions
If you are at all worried or concerned about an addiction to any type of medication, we urge you to speak to a professional for help and advice. Below are links to organisations that can help.
