What is Imigran?

Imigran is a UK‐approved prescribed medication containing the active ingredient sumatriptan succinate. It belongs to the triptan group, made to give quick relief from sudden migraine headaches, with or without aura. As a type of medicine that works on serotonin receptors, it works by making the brain's blood vessels smaller and lowering swelling. Imigran comes as tablets, usually in 50 mg or 100 mg doses, and is only given with a prescription in the UK.

It is commonly used by prescribers as a good option for handling severe migraine symptoms when they happen. It is well‐studied and trusted for effective migraine management.

What is Imigran Used For? 

Sudden Migraine Attack Relief: Imigran is used to give quick relief from the pain of sudden migraine attacks, helping to ease the strong headache fast.
Lessening of Migraine Symptoms: It helps to reduce common migraine symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity, and the aura that often comes with an attack.
Reliable Rescue Treatment: Imigran acts as a trusted rescue treatment to stop migraine episodes and help you return to normal during an attack.

At 123Meds, we offer Imigran for the treatment of sudden migraine attacks only – if you are interested in using Imigran for any other condition, we advise you to seek further review from your GP to decide whether it is a suitable treatment option.

How Imigran Works

Imigran works by targeting certain serotonin receptors in the brain to ease migraine symptoms.

Mechanism of Action: 

1. Serotonin Receptor Agonism: Imigran selectively attaches to 5-HT₁ receptors, making the widened head blood vessels smaller.

2. Neurogenic Inflammation Reduction: This receptor action helps lower the release of inflammatory chemicals that cause migraine pain.

3. Pain Signal Inhibition: By adjusting nerve activity, Imigran reduces the sending of pain signals during a migraine attack.

When is Migraine Attack Confirmed, and Medication Needed?

A migraine attack is confirmed when someone has moderate to severe head pain along with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and sometimes an aura.

Medical help is needed when these symptoms interrupt daily life and do not get better with over‑the‑counter pain relief. A confirmed diagnosis usually involves looking at the patient’s history and symptom patterns, making sure that other causes of headache are ruled out. Prescribed medication, such as Imigran, may then be given to quickly ease the severe symptoms and bring back normal function.

Physical causes of Migraine:

Hormonal changes, including those during menstruation or menopause, can start migraine episodes.
Environmental factors such as bright lights, loud sounds, or strong odours may also set off a migraine attack.
Dietary triggers like aged cheeses, processed meats, and alcohol have been connected to the start of migraines.

Psychological causes of Migraine: 

Emotional stress and anxiety can greatly raise the chance of a migraine attack.
Ongoing depression and constant tension also add to triggering migraine episodes.

Symptoms of Migraine:

Severe headache pain
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light and sound

If these migraine symptoms last for weeks or more, it is very important to get medical help.

Prescribers will diagnose the condition based on your medical history and migraine patterns. Depending on the underlying causes, treatment options may include prescribed medication like Imigran to ease migraine attacks. Depending on the individual’s needs, other medications or therapies may also be suggested. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to decide on the best treatment plan.

Can Imigran Be Purchased Over the Counter? 

Imigran is a prescription‑only medicine in the United Kingdom and cannot be bought over the counter. It is regulated by the MHRA and only available with a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional. 

This ensures that patients receive the correct dose and clear medical guidance for its use. Anyone experiencing migraine symptoms should consult their GP to decide if Imigran is suitable for their treatment plan. Buying this medicine without proper supervision is not legally allowed. 

Alternative Medications 

Several good alternatives to Imigran are available for the sudden treatment of migraine attacks in the UK. These prescribed medications, which are also triptans, offer different profiles to suit each patient's needs when Imigran is not suitable.

Zolmitriptan: Zolmitriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist approved for the sudden treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in the UK. It eases headache pain, cuts down related symptoms, and is available in tablet form, making it a good option for patients who cannot tolerate other triptans.
Rizatriptan: Rizatriptan is an effective triptan used for sudden migraine treatment in the UK. It works by stimulating serotonin receptors to narrow blood vessels, reducing headache pain and associated symptoms. It is also available in tablet form, offering a viable alternative for those with migraines.
Naratriptan: Naratriptan is a long-acting triptan prescribed for the sudden management of migraine attacks in the UK, with or without aura. It works by selectively targeting serotonin receptors to relieve headache pain and symptoms, offering a slower onset but longer relief compared to other triptans.

Please consult your 123Meds prescriber if you need guidance on the most suitable treatment for you.

How to Take Imigran? 

Timing: Take Imigran when migraine symptoms first appear for best results.

Dosage: The usual dose of Imigran is either 50 mg or 100 mg per tablet, taken by mouth as soon as migraine symptoms begin. Often, one tablet eases the pain, but if symptoms continue after two hours, a second tablet may be taken. The total daily dose must not exceed 200 mg. Patients should follow their GP's instructions and any changes based on how they respond to treatment. Do not take more than the prescribed dose to avoid side effects. Always talk to your prescriber before changing your treatment for the best migraine relief.

With Food: Imigran can be taken with or without food, though some may choose a light snack to lower any stomach upset. Always follow your prescriber’s advice on meal timing when taking this medicine.

Avoid Consumption: When taking Imigran, avoid foods known to trigger migraines, such as aged cheeses, processed meats, and alcohol, as these can worsen symptoms and may affect the medicine's effectiveness.

If you missed a dose of Imigran, do not try to make up for it by taking extra tablets; instead, contact your GP if your migraine symptoms continue or get worse.

Imigran contains both active and inactive ingredients that work together to deliver the desired effects.

Active Ingredient:

The active ingredient in Imigran is sumatriptan succinate, which eases migraine symptoms by activating serotonin receptors to narrow blood vessels in the brain, so cutting swelling and pain.

Inactive Ingredients:

Inactive ingredients such as lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate help build the tablet's form, stability, and absorption.

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the complete list of ingredients, and to check for any you might be allergic to.

Imigran (sumatriptan) is usually well-tolerated; however, like all prescribed medication, it can cause side effects in some individuals. These side effects may be mild or severe and occur at different frequencies.

Common Side Effects:

Pain or Pressure: Some may feel pain, heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest, throat, or other parts of the body.
Strange Sensations: Some people might experience numbness, tingling, or unusual warmth or cold after taking Imigran.
Nausea or Vomiting: Some users might feel sick or vomit, although this might be from the migraine itself.
Fatigue or Drowsiness: Some users report feeling tired or sleepy.
Dizziness or Weakness: Dizziness or a feeling of weakness may occur.
Temporary Increase in Blood Pressure: In some cases, there is a short rise in blood pressure.
Shortness of Breath: Some may experience difficulty breathing or feel breathless.
Muscle Aches: Some people report muscle aches.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

Chest Pain or Heart Attack: In rare cases, chest pain might signal a heart attack. Seek immediate help from a prescriber if you have severe chest pain.
Seizures or Fits: Seizures have been reported, though they are uncommon and can happen even if you have never had a seizure before.
Visual Disturbances: Some have experienced flickering, reduced vision, double vision, or even loss of vision, though these might also be linked to the migraine attack.

If you have severe or ongoing side effects such as chest pain, sudden loss of vision, or trouble breathing, seek immediate help from your GP, NHS111, or A&E to prevent problems. Do not ignore unusual or worrying symptoms, as they may be signs of a medical emergency that needs quick care.

Before starting Imigran, make sure you have told us about all your pre-existing conditions so that your prescriber can choose the best treatment and dose.