Triptans - Reflexions

Triptans

Anti-migraine medications which activate a subtype of serotonin receptor. They are used for the treatment of migraine and cluster headache attacks, in the former most often as oral pills, in the latter case in an auto-injectable subcutaneous form., Triptans are not disease-modifying drugs and do not decrease attack. On the contrary, if taken more than once per week they can increase frequency of attacks and chronify migraine. Triptans have a double biological action: they reduce the transmission of pain by blocking the release of certain neurotransmitters by the endings of the trigeminal nerve, and they cause constriction of veins and arteries in the meninges, but also in the heart. They are therefore prohibited for people with a history of coronary heart or cerebrovascular disease, heart arythmias or uncontrolled arterial hypertension or abnormalities of the heart rate.