Hi all, I’ve been using 50mg sumatriptan tablets as my migraine relief for about 15 years now, and they have pretty much always taken about 2 hours to work. I thought nothing of this until checking the other day whilst looking at alternative medication, and it stated that they should normally be effective in about 20-30 minutes. Just wondering if this was the case for everyone else? If so I’m guessing I might be time to try start trying some alternatives?
How long does it take for a dose of S... - National Migraine...
How long does it take for a dose of Sumatriptan to take effect for you guys?
Written by
Timfleck
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
73 Replies
•
I take 100mg pills and 6mg ( with .5 needle size) in injections.
With the pill it can take about 15-20 min. I never wait longer than 45 min to hour and if the pain doesn't stop I go right for an injection ( this is like an epi-pen) which about %90 of the time takes it away completely. Using the injection has really kept me out of the Emergency Room. Which I never want to be in again. If 24 hours have gone bye and I am still in pain I make an appt. for a injection, which is an anti inflammatory ( sorry don't know the name) but it is not a narcotic! and this always takes them away.
Hope this helps.
Thanks very much for replying and the info you’ve provided. It does sound like your attacks are worse than mine, but your reaction time normally a lot quicker, so will deffo start looking at alternatives like a beta blocker to take daily to hopefully inhibit them, cheers again.
Just curious are you taking Magnisium? As a preventive? I take Magnisium 3x a day. It helps so much!
No, I just take one generic multi vitamin and mineral daily, but I’ll look into the magnesium thanks.
There are 3-4 types. I was taking Magnesium citrate for a few years and it didnt help as much. I now take magnesium glycinate 3x daily at a high dose. It takes at least 6 months to start helping, but it is life changing. I also take Feverfew. This is the best I have ever felt. Also, please make sure sleep is not causing migraines.
Hi I need to try these, could you tell me where you buy them from? I can only find it in a b complex is that what you take?
Many thanks 😊
Online.. amazon. The magnesium has really helped, but remember it is a high dose. But what has helped the most is the lunch time dose. Somedays my head has no pain until 11:45am thr. When I take it I don't have any pain the rest of the day. So I started slow to make sure I didn't have any stomach issues.
Good luck
Thank you 😊
I take 30mg amitriptyline daily as prophylactic. 50mg Sumatriptan takes about 45 mins to an hour to work for me; I don't normally progress beyond Solpadeine (paracetemol, codeine and caffeine) however.
I think my problem is I probably leave it too long before taking the sumatriptan, as feel like taking the sumatriptan is giving in and a last resort as they can leave me feeling a bit wiped out as my blood pressure is on the low side anyway as I’m reasonably fit normally. I will normally try a combo of OTC painkillers first in the vain hope they do the job, then by the time they don’t have an effect the migraine is more established, so the tablets take longer to work! I used to try Paramol before my tablet but they didn’t do the trick unfortunately, so guessing Solpadeine might also have similar results. thanks for the info though🙂
YES!! Many of us have been there. The problem is also if we take more than 15 pills in a month we can give ourselves chronic migraines. That is why the preventatives are so important. But often if you wait to long you "start the cycle" and can't get out without intense interventions. Such a tricky game. Also, understanding the "tinge" and how bad it will be is important. Maybe try some other things, ice, or hot shower.. hot tea.. These are easy and might help a lot while you are waiting to have the OTC work.
I was amazed at how reading those internal signs helps a lot.
Oh, yes i see. It sounds like you need to start with Sumatriptan straightaway - or see if you can get something better from the doctor; a friend said to me that Sumatriptan is the most basic of the triptans; there maybe something better for you out there that your GP/physician can prescribe. Funnily enough i have low blood pressure too. I tried beta blockers and they didn't do it for me - felt terrible.
Remember also that a migraine isn't in the first instance about pain: this is a bit vague and maybe someone can correct me, but i understand them to be some sort of disorder/absence of serotonin, which is produced in the gut. The codeine in Solpadeine therefore works in the first instance very often for me; they are soluble so they work almost immediately. i wear glasses and one of the signs of a migraine as opposed to a tension headache is that they feel too small when one is starting. I read the book The Migraine Brain a few years ago which was so helpful, in terms of understanding. It also said that it can be shock that causes them, true in my case.
I shall put solpadeine on my shopping list, nothing you lose, then I won’t have fanny about too long wondering if it’s working or not before deciding if I need to take the sumatriptan. Most of mine come on in the early hours, and probably out of laziness think if I go back to sleep it should wear off, have to learn my lesson and be a bit more pro-active. Thanks again.
I was that way and how I solved it is having water and medication on my bedside so even if I wake up in the am with a migraine I can take something without getting out of bed,.
Thanks for the discussion I know we have all learned from it and hope you find more ways to become migraine free.
That's exactly it - the solpadeine will tell you quickly if you need the triptan. I have solpadeine and sumatriptan on or next to me 24/7
I try not to take a triptan if I wake up with a migraine in the small hours because I am trying to stick to the 2 a day regime which the Dr recommends but by the sound of it I am merely letting the migriane get entrenched and makking my headache worse. How many triptans a day do othr people take? Ideally I would take 3 and the first one takes about 1.5 hrs to work - which is way too long
Have you tried an over the counter migraine medication first? Also, ice sometimes lessens the pain. If you are waking up with them it might be a good idea to get a sleep study, if you are having sleep issues you can wake up with a headace.
It is my understanding that it is 15 pills in a month. But if you are needing 2 a day, it sounds like preventing them would be better. Also medication should work quickly. Max Alt, which is another type of Triptan goes under the tongue which should act much quicker.
Also, consider injections to prevent you from getting into the cycle, which can take days to get out of.
Hope these suggestions help.
I take 2 to 3 a day for 2-5 days a month, so between 4 and 15 in total. I have been prescribed co-codamol to accompany them . I don't normally wake up with a headache but if I have got a migraine and I don't take the 3rd triptan I will wake up with a sick headache in the middle of the night and it takes ages to get rid of it. GP not keen to pescribe preventatives unless the migraines become more frequent. I have had migraine for 30 years and know it goes in phases for no apparent reason.
Yes.. I to have suffered about that long. I thought I had done everything I could then I was un happy with the amount of migraines I was having. I discovered becuase I was taking to much medication I was giving myself Chronic migraines. So I did a ton of research and listened to the Podcast Heads Up( they have an episode on chronic migraines), by 2 migraine Specialist and have learned so much. I now take 3x a day magnesium glycinate. This has changed my life. I am also waiting on a sleep study, since more recently I have been waking up with bad migraines and I think it is sleep related.
I don't want to annoy you with questions. But have you seen a migraine Specialist? You may need to pay out of pocket, but it would be life changing.
There are 6-7 different Triptans, on dissolves under your tongue. I have also started using ice and hit peppermint tea. These help a lot. I just want to share what I have learned and what has worked for me.
Good luck!
Have you tried the Sumatriptan nasal spray? It goes straight across the blood/brain barrier and works a lot quicker - I found the sumatriptan tablets weren’t terribly effective and for me they also took a long time to work… also, with daily headache, yes, EVERY day, it can sometimes be difficult to know if it’ll turn into a full blown migraine. And, like you, I don’t like to “give in” too soon as I’m very aware of ending up with medication overuse headaches
I also have low blood pressure, and I do take a high dose of beta blocker (propranolol) daily as a preventative. Additionally I have greater occipital nerve injections in the back of my head every 3 months, they help for a few weeks - beats me why I still get migraines with that little lot haha!
Thanks for the info, didn’t realise they did a nasal spray, I can imagine that must work a hell of a lot quicker. Are you from the UK, if so can you get it on prescription?
I’m glad the propranolol works okay for you with low blood pressure, as this was going to be preventative I try next after speaking to the GP pharmacist they ‘recommended’ it.
It does seem the consensus that those of that delay, it takes longer work. I’ve also found if I do leave it longer and the tablet works eventually, it just seems to mask the pain, and more chance of it coming back 24 hours later for the next few days, so earlier intervention on day 1 might negate the need for taking them on subsequent days.
Thanks again and best of luck!
What can the ER actually do for you anyway? Just curious....would expect a hostile reaction if I turned up at the ER with a migraine...
They stop my migraine... they give me an IV cocktail. My Neurologist wrote instructions of what to give me. Its anti nausea, anti inflammatory and migraine medication and hydration. I have not been in years.
Wow I've never had access to anything like that! Most of my migraines I can't have anything for bc of rebound. The GP said I should go to the ER once I said there was no point bc I wasn't allowed anything anyway........ ....by the way a long long time ago you recommended the heads up podcasts to me I have to say they were great to listen to so cheers! Although my neurologist doesn't agree with some it it's very interesting.
Hi Timfleck, I take ibuprofen with the sumatriptan and it takes about an hour to work, depending on how advanced the migraine is at the time. Have you tried taking something to prevent the migraines?
Timfleck in reply to
I’ve only tried amytriptaline as a preventative about 2 years ago but they didn’t seem to work so gave up, so thinking of trying propanalol as I’m probably taking more than 4 sumatriptan a month now. Thanks for the info.
I’ve tried amytriptaline too Timfleck, and loads of other medications too, none of which worked and/or had terrible side effects so stick with the propranolol and greater occipital nerve block injections as preventative as I mentioned above, plus the sumatriptan nasal spray for any attacks in between
Thank you, I will definitely discuss the nose spray next time I speak to the GP sounds great that they work straight away.
Not immediate relief, for me it takes anywhere between half an hour and an hour… and I do have to rest after taking it otherwise it’s not so effective if I carry on “doing” This morning it took about 45 minutes - quicker and more effective for me than tablets!
Ironically I had a hospital appointment with a new headache specialist to discuss the recently approved (NHS, in the UK) self injected monthly Fremanezumab. It’s very expensive but is a targeted drug as opposed to what she called the “scattergun approach” of many drugs used for migraine pain! Fingers crossed I’m one of the 60% (ish) that it works for 🤞🏼
Weetms in reply to
I totally agree lose Anne 13. I’ve had migraines for around 20 or so years and a few years back they were constant 5 out of 7 days a week. My doctor put me on Pizotifen at night an antihistamine, and Sumatripton. They eased but the sumatripton wasn’t enough to take the pain away. My friend who has tried everything and is now on Botox injections advised me to take ibuprofen with the sumatriptan.It makes such a difference. I take two 400mg ibuprofen and 1 sumatriptan, eat something small even if I feel sick and lay down with a cold cloth over my eyes, I also rub vicks on my temples instead of the menthol head stick as vicks is stronger.
Definitely take with ibuprofen as I think it packs a punch much quicker.
Especially if I can’t lay down and have to keep going mouth my 6 and 7 year old!
Hope this helps xx
in reply to Weetms
Hi Weetms, I am having Botox injections and they reduce the intensity of the migraines. Wishing you well!
About an hour. I take 100 mg.
Also I now take 140 mg Aimovig injection at home- it’s once a month and it’s preventative.
It helps quite a lot.
Also- ask about nurtec.
Also- look at going on a histamine free diet.
I have a neurologist who specializes in migraines. It’s very important to do this.
Thanks for the info, I’ll do some research into the info you’ve provided.
Also look into Max Alt ( Rizitriptan) you place it under your tongue so it dissolves quickly, I have used that, butnyou have to give up your other Triptans.
I’m excited to have been accepted today to try Amivog (I’m in the UK)!! I have my fingers crossed 🤞🏼
When I used to take Sumatripan tablets it would take at least 2 hours to work. I used to try and eat something and drink tea or coffee bc it sometimes it would make it work faster.
Ah damn 2 hours for you too- was hoping I would be the exception to make it more obvious the tablets aren’t suitable. I’ve also tried food/no food and caffeine but the results are inconclusive, thanks for your reply.
Its becuase it is in pill form and has to be absorbed in the stomach. The injection is in minutes.
I have a slow metabolism it always takes longer for things to work on me. Also I have chronic migraines which makes me drug resistant anyway. The worse the migraine the longer it takes. I stopped Sumatripan because it hurt my stomach for a couple of days once the migraine finished. I use Zomig nasal sprays so I can bypass my stomach, still takes 2 hours to work though!
Injections; immediately. Other routes much longer. The injections are bliss. I feel myself sliding away and usually sleep for a couple of hours. Doesn't always last but it is the best tool in my arsenal against migraines and cluster headaches.
Thanks, I’m glad the injections work well for you, I’ll do some research.
the only problem is that I can't administer them myself and have to get my husband to do it. First of all I am a bit squeamish to do it myself and secondly I can't see properly when I have an attack and struggle to fiddle about with the packaging etc.
I thought the same thing.. they are just like an Epi pen with a .5 small needle. I think you would be able to do it. The one I took before was IM and had to "load" it, I couldn't do that myself. The new ones are much better kinda like a thick pen. Best thing I ever did. Helps so much when I get bad.
yes, I have the epi pen style too, but I really can hardly move or open my eyes. Crawling to the loo is about my limit. I won't go into details but even that was sometimes beyond my capabilities.I've noticed that the days spent lying in bed have a weird effect on my memory or perception of passing time. Sometimes I find it really hard to believe that 7 or 8 days have passed. Also, not sure if it's age related (I'm just 50) but I also feel that with every attack I am slightly damaged; I no longer bounce back the way I used to. I wouldn't be surprised if one day it kills me.
I am so sorry this is happening to you.
May I ask, how long between you felling the first slight tinge of pain and you being out completely? For me, I also act with the very first tinge of head pain, I do not wait. I take 2 migraine over the counter pills and drink a cold cane of Pepsi ( this is straight from the Neurologist) sometimes the pain goes away. If nothing has changed I take 1st Imitrix within 20-30 min. Some times it stops. If it has not I use Epi-pen.
I know you have been dealing with this for a long time.. and I am sure you have considered everything. Sometime I discovered is Hot Peppermint tea has helped a lot in the afternoon when I get that slump.
Also, the normal drink... drink... drink lots of water and never skip a meal with protein all help me a lot. Make sure no head and neck pain..
Just trying to help.
Best of luck. I still think even if your husband has to give it to you, injections really help.
Forgot to say that I've tried every preventive and they just don't work or have hideous side effects. Come to terms with just dealing with them as they happen.
Yeah I was worried about side effects, especially making me feel overly tired as I have a lot of caring responsibilities and cannot afford to feel lethargic all day. I’m going try one more, propranolol maybe, and see how that goes then give up if it doesn’t work out. Cheers for the heads up.
ah yes, that one. Prescribed to me even though I have Raynaud's and Inflammatory Arthritis - I was determined to give it a go and not read the side effects section of the leaflet.Within 2 days of taking it I was constantly freezing cold. So I went back to the GP who said I shouldn't be taking it.
Just curious when you say " I have tried every preventive" are you talking about that a doctor has prescribed, right?
yes: several 'triptylines', pizotifen, one idiot GP even prescribed Tramadol which made me vomit violently and gave me a kind of hangover headache. Several others that I can't remember the names of.As I said, I have accepted that I just have to live with them. It's crap but it is what it is.
Have you considered other preventives? I went there once I gave up on RX medications. I take Feverfew 2x daily ( AMA recommends) and 3x daily Magnesium glycinate. I have never felt better. I have many migraine free days.. which I didnt have before.
Also, I love and have learned so much from the Heads Up, podcast by 2 UK migraine specialist.
Cheers!
Hi - I tried magnesium, two different types but they didn't work. I take the recommended high dose of riboflavin - and that does seem to have lessened the frequency of attacks but not the severity and duration.I have listened to the heads up podcast but I find a lot of the advice a bit patronising and unrealistic. Great if you have the luxury of not working, don't have children to look after and a huge family to help out.
I agree, I also have a family and work. The only thing that has helped me is 3x daily magnesium I can feel it wear off and need to take the lunch dose. Many days I am migraine free until later afternoon or right when I wake up. I am doing a sleep study next. Best of luck to you!
But when researching what type of magnesium to take I found it quite confusing! At the moment I am building up my dosage as I have read the magnesium can effect the stomach. Just wondering what brand you buy? I read that citrate and malate magnesium were the best types to take, just means I may have to take nearly 5 or 6 tablets a day to reach the recommended high dose of 600mg for migraines. Any advice wld be appreciated
Hi there, can I ask which brand of magnesium you take? I have just started taking magnesium plus and this is the ingredients
Hi, I’ve been using them for about the same amount of time and think they have taken longer over time. 2 things might help - studies have shown greater efficacy when taken with ibruprofen & you can get a spray version which is quicker acting. I’ve been debating switching for the same reason but it’s much expensive. Best wishes
I’ll definitely give the ibuprofen a go next time, thanks very much.
Remember that once a migraine is established the stomach doesn't absorb stuff so well - so it's important to take it as soon as you have migraine
I tried it and didn't seem to change anything. Bit will continue when needed in the future.
I have never heard this..
Neither have I, I would worry about extra stomach pains...
stomach goes into 'stasis' - just will not absorb or hold onto anything.
It's difficult when the migraines cause vomiting. this was actually the reason that I was started on the injections; I just couldn't keep anything down.I've been to hospital 3 times with cluster headache and was given a drip of paracetomol and also oxygen. did absolutely nothing.
If I sound sour, I am. whenever I think I can't take any more I go on the Migraine Trust website and read all about the wonderful new treatments and all the NHS offers is the same old crap. The medical profession generally doesn't give a toss. Migraines and now cluster headaches have ruined my adult life. working has been difficult, planning important days etc always a gamble. The rheumatic disease is nothing compared to migraine.
It’s always a balance and I think it’s trial and error to find what’s best for you. Personally, the best thing I found was sorting through the triggers, one by one. The best result so far was Botox injections. I agree they can make life miserable & I had around 15 migraines a month when someone said to me - why’s that acceptable? Of course it wasn’t. But the NHS didn’t offer much to solve if - I went private. Best wishes
Hi there, I used to use the sumatriptan tablets but had to switch to injections as I get sickness and can’t keep anything down, they are a godsend and work within 15-20 mins
The only thing that has been offered to me that takes away my migraines is Sumatriptan which as in your case takes a couple of hours to work. I’ve tried many different prophylactic drugs with little effect until my GP suggested Gabapentin (for treating epilepsy) and I can honestly it has changed my life. I still get migraine type headaches which last for 3-4 days as before, but they are more of a dull headache with tiredness. I wouldn’t say I am firing on all cylinders during these attacks but I don’t have to go to bed, I can still function. So for me this is a huge improvement.
A GP would not know about injections. I think you br best to see a migraine Specialist, even some Neurologist are not the best at treating chronic migraines.
Thanks very much for that, and I’ll add Gabapentin to my list as possibles to try.
As well as the addition of ibuprofen i mentioned to liseanne 13 comment, I have also over the last 12 years found that yoga helps with my migraines.I think the neck stretches and shoulder stretches helps with the tension and stress of today’s life.
By no means do I do yoga when I have a migraine or feel one coming on (even though my instructor says I should!) but doing a class regularly just once a week has definitely helped with my posture and tension and does take away some of the mental baggage we carry everyday.
Also going to a class is not required as there are tons of free videos online and I have also found a free excercise app called FitOn which has yoga and meditation videos, it doesn’t have to cost anything but it’s def worth a try. We don’t have anything to lose only gain.
Take care
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
Does anyone know why you can't take Imigran/Sumatriptan while pregnant in the UK?
days of migraine followed by a day off, then another migraine, then a day off and now a migraine...
Sumatriptan - does it just postpone migraine
taking sumatriptan for migraine for about 6 years now. I find it works at the time (the migraine...
Sumatriptan...does it abort or just delay the migraine?
of avoiding ANY migraine drugs because they scare me I decided I would give sumatriptan a go last...
I'm taking 70mg nortriptyline daily and sumatriptan when I have an attack, but the sumatriptan has started to not work after a few hours.
now an attack about every 10 days. Does the fact that it is coming back after a few hours mean that...
How long should you keep a diary for?
type migraine. I never suffered from anything other than the occassional head ache until about 3...
Related Posts
Scalp allodynia. How does it feel like?
How do I deal with serious constipation when taking amitryptaline?
Back to back Migraines - how do you medicate? 
Can Triptans and Anti-Depressants together cause bad reaction?Moderation team
Charlotte_NMCPartner
