Does anyone know why you can't take I... - National Migraine...

National Migraine Centre

9,197 members2,684 posts

Does anyone know why you can't take Imigran/Sumatriptan while pregnant in the UK?

Cat00 profile image
5 Replies

Hello,

Im currently almost 11 weeks pregnant and I've just had 8 days of migraine followed by a day off, then another migraine, then a day off and now a migraine again. I'm worn out. I've had two miscarriages in the past year and I have a 3 year old.

I know that in the States and in some other countries like Germany you are allowed to take Imigran during pregnancy, in the first trimester at least. Apparently there is no data for imigran use in the third trimester.

I usually have Botox but obviously haven't been able to have that for over a year and I'm on 40mg ( down from 150mg) of Amitriptyline which my neurologists has sanctioned. I have chronic migraines amongst other things.

I was just wondering if anyone knew why the UK doesn't support Imigran use during pregnancy? Is it just they have not conducted their own experiments and do not trust 'foreign' data? My mother takes Imigran and its really tempting to take some, I normally have Zomig but I know that is definitely contraindicated for pregnancy so obviously have stopped that. I didn't take anything while pregnant with my daughter and I had a terrible time for the whole pregnancy, since then all this new info about Imigran use has come out.

Any information would be interesting!

Written by
Cat00 profile image
Cat00
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
Cally01 profile image
Cally01

Hi I'm UK. Naratriptan and Sumatriptan where two i had to take while pregnant but for some reason i was only allowed in the first 3mths. I had migraines for yhe whole 9mths and in a patern just like yours.

I went to a herbal gp for help in later pregnancy, it did help.

Good luck 😘 hope you find a solution.

Cat00 profile image
Cat00 in reply toCally01

Thanks for your post, very interesting!

My neurologist is very unhappy about me being on Amitriptyline even though the Gp's are perfectly happy about, trouble is she has more data than them so I always go with what she says. I know she is dead set against triptans during pregnancy but you know how desperate you get when the migraine is still there day in day out. I'm managed to get through today without anything but I know if it is still there tomorrow I'll probably fold.

I've tried accupuncture but it didn't have any effect. Do you mind me asking what sort of thing the herbalist prescribed for you?

Cally01 profile image
Cally01 in reply toCat00

Hi Cat they made me a tincture with lots of safe herbs for pregnancy. I did take a bit longer to wake in the morning but i didn't wake through the night with flashing lights.

Now I'm perimenopause and my hormones where at it again. I went back to the herbalist gp and again my hormones are under control.

No hrt was helping, migraine every day for 4yrs solid,triptans constantly, it's been a nightmare.

Now, 10 days migraine free last month, 7 day's the month before so slowly getting control 😁.

I also vomitted a lot while pregnant.

Look for alternatives Cat 👍x

It's because it narrows your blood vessels which could obviously have an adverse effect on your baby.

Cat00 profile image
Cat00 in reply to

That is not what I asked. I asked if anyone new why you could be prescribed Sumatriptan in the US and in other countries like Germany during pregnancy but not in the UK.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

What do you do if the triptans don't work?

I don't get migraines very often, but when I do they hang around for days - basically until they...
heyjude77 profile image

Migraines for 30 years

Migraines have totally ruined my life . They are very severe and when I have a bad one I use...
KateeB profile image

Frustration about understanding Migraine

Migraine is a real illness. It has plagued me since the age of 17-18 and has terrorised my life. I...
CJA2012 profile image

How Do You Stop Being Scared of Your Next Migraine?

I know I've been here before in a previous post. But I can't help but worry. How do you stop being...
NetroPhil profile image

Something that is working for me...

I am a long time migraine sufferer (55 year old woman). I've had migraines since I was a teen and...
Clydelle profile image

Moderation team

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.