What Are Triptans?

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Updated January 26, 2024
Updated January 26, 2024
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Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

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Edited By:

Amy Leifeste

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Medically Reviewed By:

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Picture of Authored By:

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Picture of Edited By:

Edited By:

Amy Leifeste

Picture of Medically Reviewed By:

Medically Reviewed By:

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

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What are triptans? Triptans are a group of medications employed in the treatment of acute migraines. Acute medications are specifically formulated to halt the progression of a migraine attack or cluster headache once it has started. Their primary purpose is to alleviate the distressing symptoms associated with migraines, including pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

What sets triptans apart from other acute medications is their classification as SSRIs (selective serotonin receptor agonists). Triptans operate by stimulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger in the brain. This stimulation serves to reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, ultimately bringing the headache or migraine to a halt.

Triptans Medication

What are triptans medications is a common question. Triptans are a class of medications specifically designed to address migraine headaches, and they are a first-line migraine treatment. Additionally, they can be effective in managing related headache conditions. While triptans do not typically prevent migraines (except for a few specific cases), they are highly effective at halting migraine attacks as they occur.

Migraines are not merely severe headaches – they represent a neurological condition that can manifest with symptoms such as pain, distorted or impaired vision, nausea, heightened sensitivity to light or sound, and more, especially in cases of migraines with aura. For many people, these symptoms can be overwhelming, compelling them to seek refuge in a dark, quiet environment until the migraine subsides.

Triptans made significant strides in the understanding and treatment of migraines since their discovery in the 1980s. In the early 1990s, sumatriptan (marketed as Imitrex) became the first triptan to obtain approval for migraine treatment in both the United States and Europe, setting the stage for the subsequent introduction of many other triptan medications.

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What Medicines Are Triptans?

FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) currently grants approval to seven triptan medications. While all triptans are designed to address migraines, some are specifically tailored for treating particular types of migraines, and a few are authorized for use in children and adolescents. These are the  seven triptans, along with their respective forms of administration:

  1. Almotriptan (Axert): Available in an oral form (a pill taken by mouth). The brand-name version of this drug is no longer available in the U.S., but generic versions are still accessible.
  2. Eletriptan (Relpax): Administered orally.
  3. Frovatriptan (Frova): Offered in an oral form.
  4. Naratriptan (Amerge): Provided in two oral formulations.
  5. Rizatriptan (Maxalt): Presented in an oral form.
  6. Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Onzetra, Tosymra): Available in multiple forms, including oral, nasal (in the form of a spray or powder administered through the nose), and subcutaneous (injected just beneath the skin’s surface). Additionally, there is an oral version (Treximet) that combines sumatriptan with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen.
  7. Zolmitriptan (Zomig): Accessible in both oral and nasal forms.

These triptan medications offer a range of options for migraine sufferers, each with its own mode of administration and potential benefits.

What Are Triptans Used to Treat?

Triptans are FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate to severe migraines and, in certain cases, cluster headaches that significantly disrupt daily functioning. Classified as acute medications, triptans are most effective when taken promptly during the early stages of a migraine attack, especially when the pain remains mild and before heightened skin sensitivity ocurs. Beyond this, some triptan drugs may offer benefits in preventing migraines among women who experience this phenomenon exclusively during their menstrual period.

Triptans are known for their efficacy in alleviating migraine symptoms and are generally well-tolerated. That said, anyone dealing with migraines should engage in a dialogue with their healthcare provider regarding the following considerations before initiating triptan treatment:

  • Combination with ergotamines: Triptans should not be used simultaneously with ergotamines for migraine treatment. In certain situations, combining them with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) may also be contraindicated.
  • Preexisting conditions: Triptans may not be suitable for individuals with a medical history or risk factors for conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, angina, peripheral vascular disease, compromised liver function, stroke, or diabetes.
  • Prescription only: Adhere strictly to the prescribed regimen and dosage provided by healthcare providers when using triptans.

Prior consultation with a physician is indispensable to ensure the safe and effective use of triptan medications in managing migraine symptoms.

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Get Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction at California Detox

We offer intensive painkiller addiction treatment at California Detox in Laguna Beach, CA. Begin your recovery the right way with supervised medical detoxification. Slowly tapering off triptans can reduce the intensity of prescription drug withdrawal and help you address dependence on triptans. After a week or so of detox, you can move into ongoing inpatient treatment at our beachside rehab.

All treatment programs at California Detox deliver targeted treatments, such as:

When you are ready to break from the chains of prescription drug addiction, call 949.694.8305 for help from detox to discharge and beyond.

FAQs

Triptans primarily work by narrowing blood vessels and reducing inflammation. They also inhibit the release of certain chemicals in the brain associated with headache symptoms, such as serotonin.
Triptans are a class of medications commonly used to treat migraines and cluster headaches. They work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and reducing inflammation. Here are some common questions about triptans: What are triptans? Triptans are a class of medications specifically designed to alleviate symptoms of migraines and cluster headaches. They are serotonin receptor agonists, and they work by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain. How do triptans work? Triptans primarily work by narrowing blood vessels and reducing inflammation. They also inhibit the release of certain chemicals in the brain associated with headache symptoms, such as serotonin. When should triptans be taken? Triptans are most effective when taken at the onset of a migraine or cluster headache. They are not preventive medications and are typically used to relieve symptoms once they have started. How are triptans administered? Triptans are available in various forms, including oral tablets, nasal sprays, and injections. The choice of administration depends on the patient’s preference, the severity of the headache, and how quickly relief is needed.

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