Examples

How It Works

Triptans narrow (constrict) blood vessels in the brain and relieve swelling. Triptans have other properties that may help treat migraine symptoms. It is not clear how they work to stop a migraine.

All of these drugs are available as tablets. Some tablets are designed to dissolve in your mouth. Sumatriptan is also available as an injection. Both sumatriptan and zolmitriptan are available as a nasal spray.

Why It Is Used

These drugs are used to effectively and quickly relieve headache pain, sensitivity to light and noise, and nausea and vomiting associated with migraines. They are especially helpful if you have moderate to severe headaches that interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks.

How Well It Works

These drugs are effective in reducing migraine symptoms and are well tolerated.¹ But it is hard to know which triptan is the most effective. A triptan that works well for someone else may not work well for you. You may have to try more than one triptan to find the one that works best for you.

Triptans work best when they are taken as soon as the headache starts. But they can still reduce headache pain and other symptoms when taken after the attack has begun.

You may find that combining a triptan with a nonprescription medicine (such as acetaminophen or naproxen) helps to stop your headaches better. Talk to your doctor about this option if triptans alone aren't helping enough.

Some triptan drugs may also help to prevent migraines in women who get them only around the time of their menstrual period. A study suggested that these women may be able to prevent the headache by taking frovatriptan (Frova) for 6 days, starting treatment 2 days before their period begins.² Frovatriptan is a triptan drug that is commonly used to relieve migraine pain after the headache has started.

Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.