Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan is a migraine treatment available both over the counter and via prescription in the UK. You can buy small packs (typically 2 tablets of 50mg) without a prescription but only if you’ve already been diagnosed with migraines by a doctor. For larger quantities or higher strengths, a prescription is required.

Can I Buy Sumatriptan Online?

Yes, you can buy Sumatriptan online in the UK from trusted providers like UK Meds. Simply complete a short online consultation, which will be reviewed by a registered prescriber. If approved, your medication will be delivered directly to your door via secure, tracked delivery.

Is It Legal?

Buying Sumatriptan online is legal in the UK as long as it's from a regulated provider. UK Meds ensures all prescriptions are issued by a registered prescriber and medications are dispensed by UK-registered pharmacies. This ensures that the treatment is safe, legal and appropriate for your needs.

Do I Need a Prescription for Sumatriptan?

Most forms of Sumatriptan require a prescription, especially if you need more than two tablets or a higher dose. Pharmacists may supply small quantities without a prescription but only if you’ve previously been diagnosed with migraines and meet certain criteria. 

Learn more about Sumatriptan prescription requirements.

Can I Get Sumatriptan at Boots?

Yes, Boots sells small packs of Sumatriptan in-store. However, if you're looking for larger packs, more cost-effective options, or the convenience of home delivery, UK Meds may offer better value and flexibility.

Choose the Best Delivery Options

Decide on the best discreet delivery option for your order below.

Please note: Delivery options and pricing are subject to change. For the latest information on UK Meds delivery options please visit our delivery page to learn more. You can also read our other policies including our returns process.

Choose the best cost option for you:

Starting prices for all pack sizes of Sumatriptan.
Strengths available: 50mg and 100mg

Please note: Pricing is subject to change. For the latest information please refer to the consultation section at the top of the product information page. 

For full details on this prescription medicine, please read the Sumatriptan Patient Information Leaflet.

Sumatriptan is a widely used treatment for migraines, but experiences with it can differ from person to person. While many people report fast and effective relief, others may find it less helpful. That’s why reading patient reviews can offer valuable insights alongside expert medical advice.

Real-life feedback from UK Meds customers provides a better understanding of how Sumatriptan might work for you. You can browse user experiences on this page, or check trusted sources like Drugs.com and WebMD for broader insights.

While reviews can be helpful, results vary. What works well for one person may not be as effective for another. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting Sumatriptan to ensure it’s right for your symptoms and medical history.

What is Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is a prescription medicine used to treat migraine attacks in adults. It belongs to a group of drugs called triptans, which are specifically designed for migraines. While it won’t prevent migraines or help with general headaches like cluster headaches, it can stop or ease symptoms once a migraine begins.

How Does Sumatriptan Work?

During a migraine, blood vessels in the brain widen and trigger pain. Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist that works by narrowing these blood vessels, blocking pain signals and reducing associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound.

For best results, take it at the first sign of a migraine. It may still be effective later, but relief could take longer.

What Are the Benefits of Using Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan provides fast, targeted relief from migraine symptoms (Lipton et al, 2000). It is not a general painkiller and won’t treat other types of pain, but it can ease:

• Throbbing migraine headaches
• Feeling or being sick
• Sensitivity to bright lights or loud sounds

By acting quickly, Sumatriptan can help reduce the impact of migraines and support a faster return to your normal routine.

How Do I Take Sumatriptan Tablets?

Only take Sumatriptan once your migraine headache begins, do not use it during the early warning signs (aura) before the pain starts.

How to Take It:

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Do not chew or crush it.
• If swallowing is difficult, check the patient leaflet to see if it can be split.
• If the first dose doesn’t work, don’t take another for the same attack.
• If your migraine returns, you may take a second dose after 2 hours.
• Never exceed 300mg in 24 hours.

How Quickly Does Sumatriptan Work?

Sumatriptan tablets typically start to work within 30 to 60 minutes. Fast-acting alternatives are also available, nasal sprays begin working in about 15 minutes, while injections may provide relief in as little as 10 minutes.

If you're unsure about how to take your medication, consult the patient leaflet or speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

The right dose of Sumatriptan varies based on your symptoms and medical history. Always follow your doctor’s instructions or those provided in your prescription.

• Typical starting dose: 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg taken when a migraine begins.
• Repeat dose: If the migraine returns and the first dose was effective, you can take a second dose after at least 2 hours.
• Effectiveness: 50 mg and 100 mg tend to offer better relief than 25 mg, but higher doses aren’t always more effective.
• Maximum dose: Do not exceed 200 mg in 24 hours.

If you're unsure which strength is right for you, speak to your GP or pharmacist. Never adjust your dose without medical guidance.

What Should I Know Before Taking Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is generally safe when taken as prescribed, but some precautions are important:

• Avoid driving or using machinery if you feel dizzy, drowsy or tired after taking it.
• Do not use it too frequently, as overuse can lead to more frequent or rebound headaches. Speak to your doctor if this happens.

Medication Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines, supplements or herbal products you’re taking. Avoid using Sumatriptan with:

• Other migraine treatments like ergotamine, methysergide or other triptans
• Antidepressants such as SSRIs, SNRIs or MAOIs
• St John’s Wort

Who Should Not Use Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is not suitable for people who:

• Are under 18 or over 65 years old
• Have a history of stroke, angina, heart attack or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Experience more than 10 migraine attacks per month
• Have significant heart, liver or kidney conditions
• Are allergic to sumatriptan succinate or any of the ingredients in the medication

Can I Take Sumatriptan While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Sumatriptan is not routinely recommended during pregnancy unless advised by your doctor. Some studies suggest a possible risk during later trimesters, so always consult a healthcare professional first.

Breastfeeding: Sumatriptan is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding, as only small amounts pass into breast milk. Speak to your doctor or health visitor to ensure it's suitable for you and your baby.

Sumatriptan is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. Most are mild and short-lived, and some may overlap with migraine symptoms.

Common Side Effects

These affect more than 1 in 100 people:

If symptoms last more than a few days or worsen, speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Serious Side Effects: When to Seek Help

Serious side effects are rare but require urgent medical attention. Stop taking Sumatriptan and get help if you experience:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Tingling, heaviness, or unusual warmth/cold in limbs or face
• Swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash - these may indicate an allergic reaction

Your doctor may suggest taking your first dose in a clinic setting to monitor for rare reactions. Always read the patient leaflet and check with a healthcare professional if you're unsure about any side effects.

Below are a selection of answers to the most common questions that UK Meds migraine patients have asked us about Sumatriptan:

Can You Take Paracetamol with Sumatriptan?

Yes, it’s generally safe to take paracetamol alongside sumatriptan. While sumatriptan targets the underlying migraine by affecting nerve signals and blood vessels, paracetamol can help ease any remaining discomfort, such as general pain or fever.

Always follow the dosage instructions for both medications and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any existing health conditions or are taking other treatments, to avoid potential interactions.

Can You Take Ibuprofen with Sumatriptan?

Yes, it’s generally safe to take ibuprofen with sumatriptan to help relieve migraine symptoms. Some people find that taking a painkiller like ibuprofen or paracetamol 30 to 60 minutes before using sumatriptan improves its effectiveness (GOSH, 2015).

If you’re treating a child or have an existing health condition, speak to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure this combination is safe for you.

Does Sumatriptan Prevent Migraines?

No, Sumatriptan is not a preventive treatment. It belongs to a group of medicines called triptans and is used to relieve pain during an acute migraine attack. It should only be taken once a migraine starts, not before. It does not stop future migraines and using it too frequently could lead to more frequent headaches. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on how and when to take it.

Does Sumatriptan Work for Normal Headaches?

No, Sumatriptan is not a general painkiller. It’s specifically designed to treat migraine headaches and won’t be effective for common or tension-type headaches. For regular headaches, use standard pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you’re unsure which option is best, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I Take Sumatriptan with Alcohol?

There’s no direct interaction between Sumatriptan and alcohol, so drinking is not strictly contraindicated. However, it’s best to avoid or limit alcohol during a migraine attack, as both alcohol and Sumatriptan can cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may worsen your symptoms.

Is Sumatriptan a Painkiller?

No, Sumatriptan isn’t a typical painkiller like paracetamol or ibuprofen. It works by targeting the underlying cause of migraines in the brain, helping to relieve symptoms such as headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen alongside Sumatriptan if extra pain relief is needed just check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

What’s the Difference Between Sumatriptan and Imigran?

Sumatriptan and Imigran work the same way to treat migraines. Both contain the same active ingredient, sumatriptan succinate and are equally effective. The main difference is that Imigran is the branded version, while Sumatriptan is the more affordable generic alternative.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Sumatriptan?

If Sumatriptan isn’t right for you, there are other effective migraine treatments available:

• Rizatriptan (Maxalt): This medicine helps relieve migraine headaches by affecting serotonin levels in the brain. It comes as a generic or under the brand name Maxalt. Both work the same, Maxalt is just the branded version.
• Zolmitriptan (Zomig): This works by narrowing blood vessels and reducing inflammation to ease migraine symptoms. Your body converts it into a more active form to boost its effect. It’s available as a generic or as the brand Zomig, both are just as effective.

Always check with a GP or pharmacist before switching migraine treatments. They’ll help make sure it’s safe and right for you.

UK Meds is committed to providing you with the most accurate information possible regarding healthcare and lifestyle, as outlined in our Editorial Policy and Content Policy. We aim to regularly peer review and update our content as necessary to give you the most up-to-date medical information, helping you to be fully informed before starting a consultation with a registered prescriber for the treatment that you need.

Please note that our content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Before starting any treatment or making any changes that could affect your lifestyle, you should always speak with your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Page Last Updated:

29th July 2025

• Sumatriptan - NHS
• Sumatriptan for Migraine and Cluster Headaches - Patient.info
• Sumatriptan - BNF
• Triptans for Migraine and Headache - GOSH NHS

• The Different Types of Migraine - UK Meds
• How to Get Rid of a Migraine - UK Meds
• Disability Caused by Migraines: What Help is Available - UK Meds
• Migraine Hangovers: The Postdrome Phase of a Migraine Explained