Should we still use Triptan medications?

The rapid spread of triptan medications in the 1990s was considered to be a major advance in migraine treatment. Developed specifically for migraine, drugs such as zolmitriptan, frovatriptan, and sumatriptan, with brand names like Imitrex and Maxalt became common prescriptions for migraine sufferers.

As with any medication, there are patients who can't use triptans, or who simply have not been helped by them. But so many years later, with many other options available, are they still worth trying?

Questions emerged about triptans early on. Do they cause "rebound headache" - in other words, are they leading to more headache and migraine symptoms in the long run? Are there dangerous side effects - especially cardiovascular ones? What about their safety for children or pregnant women?

A new study focused on the latter. Should pregnant women avoid triptans, or are they safe?

This was a long-term study, following children up until they were 14 years old. Over 26,000 pregnancies were included in the study, and almost 5000 of the women had used triptans (to varying degrees) during their pregnancy.

So the question was, would the triptan use cause problems with the child? ADHD? Autism? Other disabilities?

The answer appears to be no. There was no major difference between those who took no triptans and those who took them regularly.

At the New York Headache Center, neurologist and migraine specialist Dr. Alexander Mauskop has been following this story for years, both in the scientific literature and in his experience in private practice. He has been increasingly convinced that triptans are very safe. Commenting on this study, he noted that they're probably safer than Advil, Aleve, and Excedrin, commonly purchased over the counter (as triptans are in some countries). He notes:

I have previously discussed on this blog the overall safety profile of triptans – for instance, noting that these migraine-specific drugs do not appear to increase the risk of stroke or heart attack in otherwise healthy users, and that some patients can even use daily triptans long-term without significant side effects. Many physicians and patients have been cautious with triptans due to old concerns about cardiovascular issues or overuse headaches. However, research and clinical experience continue to show that triptans are well-tolerated and safe for most people when used appropriately.

Please note - when used appropriately. They still should be used wisely under a doctor's care, who knows your medical history.

Newer migraine medications have been a huge help to some. But triptans are still helping a very large percentage of migraine sufferers. And remember - all triptans are not equal. If one is not working for you, consider another one.

There are a lot of articles at Headache and Migraine News regarding triptans. Check the date of the post for the newest information.

Some Books to Check Out

This month I'm highlighting some books for you to check out, which can be helpful resources in your continued fight against migraine. The first post is here: Too Much Spinach?

Watch for some other recommendations before the end of the month!

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