
Triptans work by tamping down overactive nerves in the brain caused by a migraine attack. They also help shrink blood vessels back to normal. This helps manage migraine symptoms. A 2015 research review compared triptans and other migraine treatment options.
What are the side effects of triptans?
In animal models and in humans, CGRP is elevated in the external jugular vein after stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion as well as during migraine attacks. Consistent with a peripheral action for triptans, treatment with sumatriptan reduces CGRP levels as the migraine subsides ( Goadsby and Edvinsson, 1993 ).
What are the different forms of triptans that treat migraines?
Where do triptans act in the treatment of migraine? Where do triptans act in the treatment of migraine? Where do triptans act in the treatment of migraine? Pain. 2005 May;115(1-2):1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2005.03.008. Authors Andrew H Ahn 1 , Allan I Basbaum. Affiliation 1 Department ...
How does sumatriptan relieve migraines?
May 01, 2005 · Consistent with a peripheral action for triptans, treatment with sumatriptan reduces CGRP levels as the migraine subsides (Goadsby and Edvinsson, 1993). The localization of 5-HT 1D receptors on peptidergic nociceptors also points to a contribution of this receptor subtype in the reduction of peripheral activation by triptans ( Potrebic et al., 2003 ).
How to treat migraines without triptans or ergotamines?
a Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. b Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. c W.M. Keck Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA * Corresponding author. UCSF Box 0452, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA …

How do triptans act in migraines?
Where do triptans work?
Which receptors do triptans work on?
What is the mode of action of triptans?
When are triptans contraindicated?
Are triptans Vasoconstrictors?
Are triptans preventive or abortive?
How do triptans work on serotonin?
Do triptans increase or decrease serotonin?
Are triptans serotonin agonists?
When are triptans prescribed?
Do triptans work for all headaches?
What is triptan for migraine?
Triptans (Serotonin Receptor Agonists) for Migraine. Migraine is a neurological condition affecting millions of people every day. And for many people, it seriously impacts quality of life. Migraine is a complex condition that can cause various symptoms, including severe, debilitating migraine attacks, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Can triptans prevent migraines?
Triptans are one class, or group, of medications that can treat migraine attacks after they start. Triptans cannot prevent a migraine attack from happening. Instead, these medications help relieve symptoms by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the brain that develop from migraine attacks.
Is migraine a neurological condition?
Migraine is a neurological condition affecting millions of people every day. And for many people, it seriously impacts quality of life. Migraine is a complex condition that can cause various symptoms, including severe, debilitating migraine attacks, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Today there are several medication options ...
What is migraine medication?
Today there are several medication options to both prevent migraine attacks or treat migraine symptoms. Triptans are one class, or group, of medications that can treat migraine attacks ...
What are some alternatives to migraine medicine?
Examples of alternative migraine treatments include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. aspirin (Excedrin) acetaminophen (Tylenol) anti-nausea medications like meclizine and dimenhydrinate.
What is the cause of migraines?
While the exact cause of migraine attacks is unclear, scientists believe during a migraine attack sensitive nerves become inflamed and blood vessels in the brain expand .
Why do migraines cause pain?
While the exact cause of migraine attacks is unclear, scientists believe during a migraine attack sensitive nerves become inflamed and blood vessels in the brain expand. This causes pain and other symptoms. Triptans work by tamping down overactive nerves in the brain caused by a migraine attack.
Can triptans be taken with migraine?
For migraine with aura, triptans should be taken at the onset of pain, rather than the onset of aura. 1 Triptans do not prevent migraine.
What is triptan used for?
Taken how? Triptans come in many forms: oral tablet, dissolving tablet, nasal spray, nasal powder, injection. Triptans are a common first-line acute treatment for moderate-to-severe migraine. They work best when they are taken early in a migraine attack.
How many triptans are there?
Triptans were developed specifically to treat migraine. They have been used since the 1990s. 3 Currently, there are seven approved triptans. 1 “Triptan” is a general term for the whole class of medications. The names of all the generic drugs in this class end in “triptan.”.
What receptors do triptans bind to?
Triptans bind to—or connect with—serotonin receptors. Specifically, triptans bind to subtypes of the receptor called 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D. Binding of the triptan to the 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors in the brain reduces swelling in the blood vessels, which may be one reason they stop the migraine.
What are the side effects of triptans?
Common side effects of triptans include dizziness, chest discomfort, fatigue and sleepiness, muscle weakness, and nausea. Triptans can cause changes in sensation such as warmth, burning, cold, tingling, or numbness. Some triptans cause dry mouth or indigestion. 6. These are not all the possible side effects of triptans.
Is triptan a generic drug?
Health care providers are familiar with their use and side effects. Most triptans are available in generic form. Generics are less expensive than brand-name drugs. 1 Nevertheless, triptans can be costly.
