A class of drugs known as the triptans are known to help counter the unpleasant symptoms of a migraine headache. Since there are seven different
A class of drugs known as the triptans are known to help counter the unpleasant symptoms of a migraine headache. Since there are seven different triptan drugs available, it is very diffcult to choose the drug.
Researchers at the University of Netherlands have carried out an analysis of all the clinical trials on the triptans, covering over 18,000 patients. They find that in comparison with the 'gold standard' sumitriptan, a standard dose of rizatriptan was more effective and reliable, and equally tolerable. Eletriptan was also more effective - but less tolerable. And a third drug almotriptan was similar in its effectiveness, but scored higher on tolerability. Other drugs were similar to sumatriptan.Of course, not all patients will show this pattern of effectiveness versus tolerability, but at least this helps guide the new patient to a treatment to try in the first instance.
