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Triptans for migraine treatment
By Mayo Clinic staffThe first of a class of drugs designed specifically to combat migraines, sumatriptan (Imitrex) was introduced in 1992. Now there are six other triptan drugs:
- Almotriptan (Axert)
- Eletriptan (Relpax)
- Frovatriptan (Frova)
- Naratriptan (Amerge)
- Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
- Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
The Food and Drug Administration is considering approval of a single-tablet combination of sumatriptan and the NSAID naproxen sodium. In one clinical trial, sumatriptan and naproxen taken together provided better symptom relief than did placebo or either drug alone. The single-tablet form may offer greater convenience for people who use this combination.
Factors to consider
All triptans help relieve migraine-associated pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. The main differences among them are the forms in which they're available. These differences are summarized in the table below.
| Drug | Available as | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pill | Nasal spray | Injection (self-administered) | |
| Almotriptan (Axert) | X | ||
| Eletriptan (Relpax) | X | ||
| Frovatriptan (Frova) | X | ||
| Naratriptan (Amerge) | X | ||
| Rizatriptan (Maxalt) | X | ||
| Sumatriptan (Imitrex) | X | X | X |
| Zolmitriptan (Zomig) | X | X | |
If you typically have nausea and vomiting with your migraines, you may have trouble keeping medication in your stomach — so an injection or nasal spray might work better for you.
Triptans usually aren't sedating, so they can often be used at home or in the workplace without disruption. Side effects of triptans may include nausea, chest pressure, drowsiness, dizziness and fatigue, but most of these symptoms go away in less than an hour. While all triptans are similar in action and side effects, many individuals find one type of triptan works better for them than another.
Rarely, triptans can cause heart attacks and strokes. If you have a history of uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease, or if you are pregnant, you shouldn't take these drugs.
Serotonin syndrome — a potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by extreme agitation or restlessness, confusion, hallucinations or loss of coordination — has been linked to the use of certain antidepressants in combination with triptans. However, this risk appears to be very low.
Ergots for migraine treatment Over-the-counter and prescription migraine medication options
