How to Use Triptans

Triptans are a group of prescription medications used to treat migraine headaches and cluster headaches. Triptans are generally used to treat headaches that do not first respond to NSAIDs--nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs--or other over-the-counter pain medications. The family of triptans includes sumatriptan, which is the medication used most often to treat migraines. Other triptans include eletriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan, almotriptan and frovatriptan, which are all used to treat migraines. Brand names of triptans include Amerge, Zomig, Frova, Relpax and Imitrex.

Instructions

Sumatriptan

• 1

  Consult your doctor. You must get a prescription for triptans. You will most likely be prescribed either triptan tablets, nasal spray or injections, but usually only one of the three. Most triptans are available in all three forms, and are all prescribed for fast-acting migraine relief.

• 2

  Take triptan tablets as soon as you feel a headache coming on. As soon as you feel the symptoms of a migraine--head pain, dizziness, nausea, a strange smell or whatever way you can tell you are experiencing a migraine, take the dose of Triptan that you have been prescribed. The medication should work within 30 minutes to an hour.

• 3

  For more severe headaches, inject triptan medication as soon as you start to feel a headache. Wipe your arm with rubbing alcohol and slowly insert a new needle into your upper arm. Inject your correct dosage of triptan as you have been instructed by your doctor. The medication should work within 15 minutes, but may take up to an hour to work with some severe headaches.

• 4

  For immediate blood vessel relief, use triptan nasal spray. Usually, triptan nasal spray is a one-use design that only has one dose loaded inside. Do not remove the spray from the sealed package until you are ready to use it. When you feel a headache coming on, blow your nose carefully and sit down. Hold one nostril and breathe out with the other nostril. Place the apparatus in your nose. As you breathe in, press the plunger and inhale the medication. Keep your head level for 10 to 20 seconds and stay seated. You can take a second dose within two hours, but you will have to open a new package.

• 5

  Monitor your side effects. As you take triptan medications, you may experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heart palpitations, hot flashes or allergic reactions like hives and swelling. If you experience any of these effects, discontinue use immediately and contact your doctor. You may be allergic to triptans, or be taking another medication that interacts with it. Your doctor can prescribe a different migraine medication for you.