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A triptan is a migraine-specific medicine that activates selected serotonin receptors, primarily 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors. Triptans are used to stop or reduce an acute migraine attack after it begins. Examples include sumatriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, frovatriptan, and almotriptan. Selected formulations of sumatriptan are also used for acute cluster headache.
read more about triptan ...Triptans treat migraine pain and associated symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. They are commonly taken when migraine symptoms begin, although product-specific timing instructions differ. Most triptans are not intended as routine daily preventive medicines. A clear diagnosis and review of cardiovascular risk are needed before treatment.
Triptans stimulate serotonin receptors on cranial blood vessels and sensory nerves in the trigeminal system. This can narrow dilated cranial vessels, reduce release of pain-related neuropeptides, and decrease transmission of migraine pain signals. Different triptans reach peak concentrations and leave the body at different rates. These differences can affect onset, duration, recurrence, and the most suitable formulation.
Triptans are available as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, nasal products, and subcutaneous injections. A second dose can be permitted when symptoms return, but the minimum interval and daily maximum are drug specific. Combining two triptans or using a triptan close to an ergot medicine can increase vasospasm risk. Frequent use can contribute to medication-overuse headache.
Common effects include tingling, flushing, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and feelings of pressure or tightness. Triptans can constrict blood vessels and are generally avoided in people with certain coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral vascular diseases or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Serious heart, stroke, allergic, and serotonin-related reactions are uncommon but possible. New chest pain, weakness on one side, severe shortness of breath, or an unusual headache requires urgent medical assessment.
They are mainly used to treat an attack after it begins rather than as routine daily prevention. Selected clinicians use certain triptans for short-term prevention of predictable menstrual migraine under specific plans.
They should not generally be taken within the same 24-hour period unless a prescriber gives specific instructions. Combining them can increase the risk of excessive blood-vessel constriction.
Yes. Frequent use of acute migraine medicines, including triptans, can increase headache frequency. Patients needing them repeatedly should discuss preventive treatment and medication-use limits.
They are generally contraindicated in certain ischemic or vasospastic cardiovascular diseases. A clinician should evaluate cardiovascular history and risk before prescribing a triptan.
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