If you get migraines, you may have been offered Imigran or Sumatriptan and wondered what the difference is. The answer is simple: they're the same medicine. Imigran is the brand name, and sumatriptan is the active ingredient inside it.
This guide explains how Imigran and sumatriptan work, how to take them properly, how quickly they kick in, whether you can buy them over the counter, and the side effects to look out for.
Imigran and generic sumatriptan contain the same active ingredient at the same strengths, so they work in the same way.
What is Imigran?
Imigran is a migraine treatment made by GSK. It contains sumatriptan, which belongs to a group of medicines called triptans.1
It's used to relieve migraine attacks, with or without aura, once they've started. It eases the headache and other symptoms like feeling sick and sensitivity to light. It doesn't prevent migraines or reduce how often you get them.1
How does sumatriptan work?
Sumatriptan works on serotonin (5-HT1) receptors in the brain. It narrows blood vessels around the brain that widen during a migraine, and it's thought to calm the nerve signals that cause migraine pain.1
Triptans treat the migraine itself rather than just masking pain, which is why they often help when ordinary painkillers don't.
What's the difference between Imigran and sumatriptan?
Imigran is the branded version, and generic sumatriptan tablets are made by other manufacturers. Both contain sumatriptan succinate and are medically equivalent.
The main differences are:
- Brand and packaging - Imigran is made by GSK, while generic sumatriptan is made by several companies, so boxes and tablets look different
- Formats - both come as 50mg and 100mg tablets. The Imigran range also includes a nasal spray and an injection, which can help if you're sick during attacks
- Inactive ingredients - fillers and coatings can differ between manufacturers, which matters only if you have an allergy or intolerance
You can also read more in our migraine treatments range.
How to take Imigran or sumatriptan
Always follow the leaflet that comes with your medicine.1 In general:
- Take one tablet as soon as the headache starts - swallow it whole with water. It still works if taken later in an attack, but early is best
- With or without food - either is fine
- If it works but the migraine comes back - you can take a second dose, as long as at least 2 hours have passed since the first
- If the first dose doesn't help - do not take a second dose for the same attack. You can still use it for your next migraine
- Stick to the maximum - do not take more than 300mg in 24 hours
The usual starting dose is 50mg. Some people may be prescribed 100mg.1
You can take sumatriptan with paracetamol or ibuprofen.2 But you should not take it with other triptans or ergotamine migraine medicines, and check with a pharmacist if you take antidepressants.1
How long does sumatriptan take to work?
Sumatriptan tablets usually start to work within about 30 minutes.2 The nasal spray and injection can work faster, which may help if your attacks build quickly.
Do not use sumatriptan within 24 hours of taking a different triptan, such as rizatriptan or zolmitriptan.
Can you buy Imigran or sumatriptan over the counter?
Yes, in some cases. Sumatriptan 50mg tablets are available from pharmacies without a prescription for adults who already have a diagnosis of migraine, after a chat with the pharmacist.2 Higher strengths and other formats need a prescription.
You can also order Sumatriptan or Imigran online from Pharmica. You'll fill in a short medical questionnaire, which one of our pharmacists reviews to check the treatment is suitable for you.
If painkillers aren't touching your migraines, a triptan may be worth a try. A pharmacist can check whether it's suitable for you.
What are the side effects of sumatriptan?
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common side effects may affect up to 1 in 10 people.1 They include:
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Tingling or unusual sensations, such as warmth or cold
- Flushing
- Feeling sick or being sick
- A feeling of heaviness, pressure or tightness in the chest, throat or other parts of the body
- Tiredness
- A short-lived rise in blood pressure
Sumatriptan isn't suitable for everyone. You may not be able to take it if you have heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke.1 Chest tightness is usually mild and passes quickly, but severe or lasting chest pain could be a sign of a heart problem.
Chest pain or tightness that is severe or does not go away after taking sumatriptan needs urgent medical help. Call 999.
Taking triptans or painkillers on too many days a month can lead to medication overuse headache, where headaches become more frequent.3 If you need them often, speak to a GP about preventive options.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take sumatriptan with paracetamol?
Yes, you can take sumatriptan with paracetamol or ibuprofen, and some people find the combination helps more than sumatriptan alone. Try not to use painkillers or triptans on too many days a month, as this can lead to medication overuse headache. Always check the leaflet and ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines.
Why is sumatriptan restricted?
Sumatriptan isn’t suitable for everyone, which is why a pharmacist or prescriber needs to check it’s right for you. It can narrow blood vessels, so it may not be safe for people with heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure or a history of stroke. It can also interact with some antidepressants and other migraine medicines.
Does sumatriptan make you sleepy?
It can. Drowsiness and dizziness are common side effects of sumatriptan, although migraine itself can also leave you feeling tired. Do not drive or use machinery until you know how it affects you. If drowsiness is severe or doesn’t go away, speak to a pharmacist or GP.
Is there a sumatriptan nasal spray?
Yes. Imigran is available as a nasal spray, which can work faster than tablets and may suit people who feel sick or vomit during migraine attacks. You’ll need a prescription for it. A pharmacist or prescriber can help you decide whether a nasal spray, tablet or injection is the best fit.
Can you take sumatriptan every day?
Sumatriptan is meant for treating migraine attacks as they happen, not for daily use. Taking triptans on too many days each month can cause medication overuse headache. If you’re getting migraines often, speak to a GP about preventive treatments that can reduce how frequently attacks happen.
References
- GlaxoSmithKline UK. Imigran 50mg Tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium; 2025. medicines.org.uk/emc
- NHS. Sumatriptan. NHS website; 2024. nhs.uk
- NHS. Migraine. NHS website; 2023. nhs.uk
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication and speak to a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns.