Types of Triptans

Triptans, also called serotonin agonists, are a family of tryptamine-based drugs used to treat moderate to severe migraine headaches. Tryptamine is a monoamine alkaloid found in plants, fungi and animals. Triptans help maintain serotonin levels in your brain in order to relieve migraine symptoms. They do not prevent migraines from recurring. There are several types of triptan medications available.

Sumatriptan

• Sumatriptan, with a brand name of Imitrex, treats migraine symptoms and is the oldest type of triptan. It is available in a fast-dissolve pill, nasal spray or injection, the most effective. Sumatriptan nasal spray has been reported to work within 15 minutes but tends to be less effective if you have a stuffy nose.

Naratriptan

• Naratriptan is a newer triptan drug that treats migraine headaches. Patients are advised to take one tablet, and if symptoms appear after four hours, repeat. Effects are noticed within 30 to 60 minutes, and its effects in relieving migraine symptoms last from 2 to 3 hours up to 24 hours.

Rizatriptan

• Rizatriptan, with a brand name of Maxalt, treats acute migraines and is given in tablet form for migraines without aura symptoms. This type of triptan allows you to take up to 30 mg per day. The recurrence rate of migraines with rizatriptan is high.

Zolmitriptan

• Zolmitriptan, with a brand name of Zomig, is available as a regular tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet. Zolmitriptan should be taken at the first sign of migraine and again three hours later. It is intended to stop migraine symptoms but does not prevent a migraine from happening or reduce the number of migraines you experience.

Almotriptan

• Almotriptan, brand name Axert, is prescribed in tablet form to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches. You should never take more than two almotriptan tablets in a 24-hour period. Because of the risk of serious side effects, often your physician will have you take your first dose of almotriptan in his office so that you can be monitored.

Eletriptan

• Eletriptan, brand name Relpax, given orally in doses of 20 mg to 30 mg, will relieve the symptoms of your migraine if taken at the first sign of migraine attack. It is recommended that you take a second tablet if your migraine returns after more than two hours.

Frovatriptan

• Frovatriptan, brand name Frova, contains frovatriptan succinate and is used to treat migraine headache symptoms. Frovatriptan is to be taken at the first sign of migraine attack, and if symptoms reoccur after two hours, you can take another tablet, not exceeding two tablets in a 24-hour period.

Side Effects

• Common side effects while taking triptans include tingling and numbness, nausea, facial flushing, dizziness, fatigue, heat sensations, and tightness or discomfort in the jaw and upper chest.

Warnings

• Spasms can occur in the blood vessels. Although this is rare, people with a history of risk factors for stroke or heart attack should avoid triptans.

  Serotonin syndrome, which is excess of serotonin in the brain, may be a risk factor if you take certain medications. You should not use triptan drugs with certain antidepressant drugs like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Cymbalta and Effexor. Never take a triptan drug unless advised to do so by your doctor.

  Never take more than one triptan at a time, as serious side effects can occur. Always follow your doctor's instructions while taking triptan drugs. Triptan drugs are not recommended for children or pregnant and nursing women, as there have been no studies proving its safety in these cases.

  Triptans are not intended to treat people with basilar or hemiplegic migraines.