Those who take sumatriptan

[YorkieTheRabbit]

Do you find some makes are more effective than others?
It may sound stupid given that the active ingredients should be the same, but I find one particular brand to be far less able to shift my migraines.
I’ve been using sumatriptan for over twenty years and had various brands all of which are absolutely fine apart from this particular one.
Anyone else have similar issues?

I use boots one. Shifts my headache in half hour if I lie down and close my eyes after taking it.

Some brands do feel more effective than others. I have needed to take 100mg of Dr Reddys before whereas 50mg works most of the time.

I had Imigran 100mg for years, always fine, then others after that. It’s Dr Reddy’s that I find isn’t anywhere near as good as all the other brands I’ve had.

No, but I know others do. Sumatriptan pills stopped working for me a long time ago due to nausea, so I was switched to nasal sprays by the GP to bypass stomach issues. That worked for a few more years.

It's possible you either need a new triptan or to discuss with the pharmacist about how to ensure you get the brand you find works best for you.

@RedCarsGoFaster Thanks, I’ve tried before at the pharmacy which is attached to the doctors, Ive asked them previously which brand they have and it’s nearly always Dr Reddy.
I swapped pharmacy but it’s still a case of the prescription gets sent electronically and you just collect medication after 48 hours so don’t get to see what it is until it’s collected. I’ll have a chat and see what if anything they can do.

I do find that the ones that aren’t film-coated are very hard for me to swallow. Haven’t noticed any effectiveness or otherwise between brands.

I've never been given Dr Reddy All the ones I get work fine. I also like the film coated the best as easier to swallow.

I've never heard of Dr. Reddy.
Imigran and Boots own both save my day, frequently.

Yep, this is definitely a thing.

Imigran nasal spray. Amazing.

I haven't noticed this, but I'm interested to know if anyone else gets a weird side effect from it where eating things tastes very very intense, to the point it's almost painful? At first I thought it was a migraine symptom but it's definitely the sumatriptan!

Thanks @Eastereggsboxedupready I’ve had the imigran lozenge/wafer and the nasal spray, the wafer didn’t seem to work as well as tablets and the spray makes me wretch, heave and almost vomit. I’m glad it works for you

@FlossTea not had that, other than the intense feeling I get when the sumatriptan kicks in, I don’t get any side effects, the Dr Reddy tablets don’t give me that feeling at all, it’s almost like they are a very weak version.

It works well for me but makes me ache horribly like the flu.

I once found a whole packet of one brand didn't work.

I then requested a difference brand. I've since had the same brand and it worked fine.

It might have just been a 'bad batch'?

Sometimes a sumatriptan doesn't work first time then does maybe later. Also, if you use the spray - make sure you spray it up the non-blocked nostril - I found it didn't work when I sprayed it up the blocked one.

I've been taking triptans for 20 years. Couldn't live without them.

Yep I find the same with Dr Reddy’s
as they are “officially” all the same I just accept them, not sure if the NHS would allow me to request a different brand.
my heart sinks when I see which brand has been dispensed if it is those…
(Been on triptans for many years since they came out, the earlier ones were of course branded and seemed stronger both in terms of side effect and therapeutic effect)

Unfortunately it’s not a one off problem, I’ve received Dr Reddy tablets many times over several years, it’s always the same issue.
When prescriptions had to be collected from the doctors then taken to the pharmacy, I’d always check which brand was in stock before I handed it over but now it’s done electronically direct to a pharmacy, I don’t know what I’ll receive until I collect.
I’ve had quite a few different brands but only this particular one doesn’t work.
@helpyhelperton The spray did work but it really gets to the back of my throat and makes me heave to the point I’m having to stop myself from being sick, maybe it’s my technique that’s at fault