What is Sumatriptan 50mg used for?

Sumatriptan 50mg is used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, with or without aura, where there is a clear diagnosis of migraine. It is taken after symptoms start and is not used to prevent migraines.

When should I take Sumatriptan 50mg?

Take sumatriptan as soon as possible after the migraine starts, although it can be taken at any stage during the attack. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

Can I take another Sumatriptan 50mg tablet if my migraine comes back?

Yes, if the first dose worked but the migraine returns. Leave at least 2 hours between doses and do not take more than 300mg in 24 hours.

What if Sumatriptan 50mg does not work?

If the first dose does not relieve your migraine, do not take another dose for the same attack. Sumatriptan may still be used for a future migraine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if it does not provide relief.

What are the common side effects of sumatriptan?

Common side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, flushing, shortness of breath, weakness, tiredness and sensations such as tingling, numbness, heat, cold, pressure or tightness.

Can I take sumatriptan with other migraine medicines?

Some migraine medicines must not be taken at the same time as sumatriptan. This includes ergotamine or similar medicines, and other triptans or 5-HT1 receptor agonists. Specific time gaps are required between these medicines and sumatriptan.

Can sumatriptan make you sleepy?

Yes. Both migraine and sumatriptan can cause drowsiness. If you feel drowsy, do not drive or operate machinery.

Our service does not include a prescription. Instead, your treatment is supplied under a legal framework known as a Patient Group Direction (PGD). The process follows these steps:

1. Complete a health questionnaire

Provide information about your health, medical history, migraine symptoms, previous diagnosis and any medicines you currently take.

2. Pharmacist review

A pharmacist will review your responses and may contact you by phone or video call if further information is needed to support a safe and appropriate supply decision.

3. Private consultation

All interactions are confidential. You can discuss any questions about your migraine treatment and the appropriate use of sumatriptan.

4. Identity verification

You may be asked to provide identification to confirm that you are the intended user. This is typically required for your first order only.

5. Supporting information

You may be asked to provide additional information about your migraine history, previous treatments, medical conditions or medicines to support the pharmacist's assessment.

Your GP can be notified of your request and the outcome of the supply decision, if you wish us to do that.

Purchasing this medication does not guarantee supply. The decision to supply is made by the pharmacist based on the information provided. If supply is not appropriate, your order will be refunded.

Active ingredient: Sumatriptan 50 mg (as sumatriptan succinate).

Other ingredients: lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal anhydrous silica, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 3000, glycerol triacetate. It also contains red, yellow and black iron oxides (E172).

Take 1 dose at migraine onset. If symptoms return, a second dose can be taken after 2 hours, but no more than 2 doses in 24 hours. Don't take a second dose if the first doesn't work, but you may use paracetamol, aspirin, or NSAIDs for relief.

• Use Sumatriptan only if your migraine has been diagnosed.
• It's not for all migraine types like hemiplegic or basilar.
• If experiencing unusual symptoms, check for other conditions.
• There's a slight risk of stroke or heart issues.
• Chest discomfort after taking needs checking.
• Combining with certain antidepressants can lead to rare reactions.
• Be cautious if you have high blood pressure or liver issues.
• Sumatriptan and St John's Wort together might increase side effects.
• Overusing headache medicines could make headaches worse.
• Stick to the recommended dose.
• Those with heart risks need a check-up first.

Please avoid using Sumatriptan if you:

• Are allergic to sumatriptan or any ingredients in the medication.
• Have heart issues, including ischaemic heart disease, angina, or previous heart attacks.
• Suffer from peripheral vascular disease.
• Have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
• Have high blood pressure, unless it's mild and treated.
• Have severe liver disease.
• Are using other migraine treatments, ergotamine, methysergide, other triptans, or 5HT1 agonists.
• Are taking MAOIs (within 2 weeks), SSRIs (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine), or SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine).