0
The triptans are a class of medication used to abort migraine headaches. They can also be used on cluster headaches.
They work by plugging into the serotonin receptors in the brain, so that more serotonin is used - which then constricts the blood vessels of the body. This is important, because it is the dilated blood vessels in part that cause so much throbbing pain. Unlike pain medications, triptans don't cover up a migraine - they stop the whole process - including nausea and light sensitivity. The sooner you take it, the better it works.
There are seven different kinds of triptan. Each one works and binds in a slightly different way. Therefore, it is important to give all seven a chance. While several of them might not work for you, one might.
- Imitrex [tablet, nasal spray, injection]
- Maxalt [tablet, sublingual dissolving pill]
- Zomig [tablet, sublingual, nasal spray]
- Relpax [tablet]
- Amerge [tablet]
- Axert [tablet]
- Frova [tablet]
(used for menstrual migraine cycles, because it lasts for 24 hours)
If you have hemiplegic or basilar migraines, or have Heart disease - then the triptans are not for you. For people with risk factors, they can cause heart attack and stroke.
As with any abortive medication, triptans can cause rebound headache. The gold standard is to not take any abortive medication more than two times a week. This is especially important with the triptans, because they will stop working over time. Headache specialists suggest that a migraineur might put off their triptans' demise by alternating between one or two different triptans, so you aren't consistently using the same one.
The FDA has approved the triptan Treximet. It is not a new triptan, simply Imitrex (sumatriptan) repackaged with some Aleve (naproxen) mixed in. Studies have shown that by adding a dose of an anti-inflammatory NSAID like naproxen to sumatriptan, you increase its effectiveness and longevity.
What else can I help you with?
What are some examples of abortive medications?
Abortive medications include triptans, ergot alkaloids, NSAIDs, combination analgesics, and antiemetics.
What are possible side effects of triptans?
May cause tingling, numbness, sensations of heat or flushing, dizziness , drowsiness, or pain at the injection site.
Is maxalt addictive?
No, Maxalt is the brand name of the Rizatriptan, which is an anti-migraine medication. It is not a narcotic drug and belongs to a class of medications known as the triptans.
Is amerge a narcotic?
Amerge, which contains the active ingredient naratriptan, is not classified as a narcotic. It is a medication used to treat migraine headaches and belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans. Triptans work by constricting blood vessels in the brain and reducing inflammation, rather than acting on opioid receptors like narcotics do. Therefore, while it is a prescription medication, it does not fall under the narcotic category.
Does relapax do good for headaches?
Relpax is an abortive medicine in a special class of drugs called Triptans which were originally developed for the treatment of Mograine headaches. There are over 300 different types of headache disorders and treatment is based on which type you have. See a headache specialist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your specific problem.
Does Sumatriptan Succinate has THC in it?
No, Sumatriptan Succinate does not contain THC. Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraines and belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans, which work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. These are two distinct substances with different uses and compositions.
Does Zomig contain caffeine?
No, Zomig (zolmitriptan) does not contain caffeine. It is a medication used to treat migraine headaches and belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans, which work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain. Caffeine is sometimes included in other migraine treatments, but Zomig does not have it as an ingredient. Always consult with a healthcare professional for specific medication queries.
Can methergine be used for migraine headaches?
Yes, but it's a pretty old drug that has mostly (but not entirely) been superseded by chemically related drugs called "triptans".Methergine hailed originally from the laboratories of the great Swiss pharmaceutical company, Sandoz. It is chemically related to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), which itself was a hypothetical anti-migraine agent.
What is imitrex made of?
Sumatriptan (brand name Imitrex) is in a class of medications called triptans. It was the first medication of this type developed to treat migraine attacks. Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin 5-hydroxytrptamine 1 receptor (5-HT1) receptor agonist, that when used at the first sign of a migraine attack may help abort (stop) the migrainous process.
What is Maxalt?
Maxalt is a brand name for the medication rizatriptan, which is used to treat acute migraine attacks. It belongs to a class of drugs called triptans, which work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and alleviating headache symptoms. Maxalt is typically taken as a tablet or orally disintegrating tablet at the onset of a migraine. It is not intended for the prevention of migraines but rather for the relief of existing migraine episodes.
Why does your headache feel worse after taking sumatriptan?
Some people react badly to sumatriptan, just as some people react badly to Penicillin. Treating migraines is all about trial and error, unfortunately. There may be other triptans you can take which do not cause you to feel worse (Zomig, Maxalt, Axert, Amerge, Relpax, Frova) I would not recommend Treximet, because that is just sumatriptan with naproxen added.
When did Zomig come on the market?
Zomig, which contains the active ingredient zolmitriptan, was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 for the treatment of migraine. It was developed by AstraZeneca and has since been made available in various formulations, including tablets and nasal spray. The medication is part of a class of drugs known as triptans, specifically designed to treat acute migraine attacks.
