What Is Imigran?
Imigran contains the active ingredient sumatriptan succinate and is a popular migraine treatment. It belongs to a class of medications known as triptans. Triptans are not the same as painkillers, instead they work by reversing the changes in the brain which can cause migraines. Reversing these changes helps to relieve the symptoms of migraine.
What is the difference between Imigran and Sumatriptan?
Imigran and Sumatriptan Generic are medically equivalent. Imigran is a brand name and contains the active ingredient Sumatriptan succinate. Imigran is made by GlaxoSmithKline and was the first medication containing sumatriptan succinate available in the UK and Europe (and the rest of the world). Sumatriptan succinate is now available as a generic version that is medically equivalent to Imigran, but Sumatriptan Generic is available at a much lower cost.
How does Imigran Work?
It is thought that the symptoms associated with a migraine might be due to the temporary widening of blood vessels in the brain. Imigran works by stimulating receptors called serotonin (or 5HT) receptors that are found in the brain, which causes the blood vessels in the brain to contract. By reversing the widening of these blood vessels, Imigran works to treat the cause of the migraine.
When should I take Imigran?
The triptan class of medications are used when simple analgesics are not effective and when migraines are experienced less frequently than 10 episodes each month. There are a number of different triptans available, and as each person is different, some triptans will work better than others for each individual. Imigran should be taken at the onset of a migraine. It should not be taken as a preventative medication, as it does not help to prevent migraines, rather it only treats them.
How do I take Imigran?
Imigran is not affected by food, so you can take it irrespective of your last meal. Take Imigran with some water. Take one dose of Imigran tablets at the onset of a migraine. Do not take another dose until at least two hours have passed, and only take a second dose if the first dose does not completely relieve your symptoms or your headache comes back. Do not take another dose if the first dose did not work at all, but you may take Imigran again for a future migraine.
Will I experience any side effects when I take Imigran?
All medications have the potential to cause side effects. However, the side effects experienced differ from individual to individual. Fortunately, Imigran is safe and effective for the majority of people who are eligible for treatment with it. Some common side effects, affecting less than 1 in 10 people, can include nausea, vomiting, tiredness or drowsiness, or dizziness. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about side effects.
What is a Migraine?
A migraine is a common condition, which affects millions of people across the UK. A migraine is characterized by a severe throbbing headache. Pain is usually felt at the front or side of the head. Approximately 20% of women and 7% of men experience migraines.
Side Effects
Like any medicines, Imigran can cause side effects, but not everybody may experience them. Some symptoms may be caused by the migraine itself.
Common side effects of Imigran include pain, heaviness, pressure or tightness in the chest, throat or other parts of the body, or unusual sensations, including numbness, tingling and warmth or cold. These effects may be intense but generally pass quickly. Some people also experience nausea, dry mouth and drowsiness. These side effects are usually mild and improve on their own.
Patient Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment. Patient information can be found here.
Alternatives
Pain-Killers
Over the counter pain-killers such as paracetamol, aspirin or nurofen may help to reduce the symptoms of migraines. They are most effective when taken as soon as the migraine starts.
Triptans
Triptans are medications that can help to reverse the changes in the brain that may cause migraines.