Triptans Migraines Treatment and Medication
For years, migraine sufferers were forced to endure without effective treatment options. Triptans were a welcome advancement for over 28 million people who suffered with this condition. They have proved to be the most effective migraine treatment to date, but they are no miracle drug.
Triptans are similar in their make up to a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin is thought to be a major contributor to migraines. This type of substitution treatment is not uncommon in modern medicine.
Basically, triptans work by taking the place of the serotonin that usually sits on nerve receptors. The triptans have a component that allows them to behave slightly different, thus causing a different result. They are also known as 5-HT1B/1D agonists.
Migraine patients that do not experience skin sensitivity may benefit more from triptans than those who do. Skin sensitive people can still benefit from this treatment, but the triptans should be taken no longer than 20 minutes into an attack.
There are warning signs that allow people to know when they should begin treatment. One such sign is called an aura, which involves things such as vision loss and seeing flashing lights.
There is a variety of triptans available commercially. The earliest ones appeared in the 1990's, and included sumatriptan and others. More modern types have been developed, and are much more effective than the previous versions. These include zolmatriptan (Zomig) and rizatriptan (Maxalt).
These medications are known as abortive drugs. This means they are designed to alleviate the symptoms after they have already begun. They can control the pain before it reaches unbearable levels. The newer versions are a little more forgiving as far as when you take them in relation to when the attack begins. They also last longer than previous versions. Sometimes migraine pain can last for several days at a time.
Triptans are also useful for dealing with many of the secondary symptoms that accompany migraines. Triptans can reduce, or even eliminate the nausea and vomiting that often comes along with this condition.
Triptans are also available in a variety of delivery systems. In addition to the original pill form, it is also available in other forms, such as nasal spray and others. Maxalt offers it in a wafer form that dissolves on the tongue, eliminating the need for a glass of water. nasal sprays allow the medication to be quickly absorbed through the thin layers of the nasal membranes. These alternative forms are convenient for those who find it difficult to take pills.
As always, a physician should be consulted before you choose any treatment option. They will be able to help you weigh the risks against the benefits and make the best choice for your condition.
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