Using Sumatriptans to Treat Migraine Headaches

For many millions of people who suffer from migraines finding an effective treatment has been difficult and has taken considerable time. Even after years of research there is no miracle cure, but a new class of drugs known as Sumatriptan are as close to a miracle cure as we have these headaches often intense pain that can strike at any time.

The Sumatriptan are a form of drug that is chemically similar to serotonin, which is itself a neurotransmitter believed to play a role in causing migraines. As with many drug treatments, success often comes from creating a compound that is chemically similar to a chemical produced naturally in the body and use this momentum to the levels in the body when they appear symptoms. In this case Sumatriptan bind to the receptors where the body’s natural biochemical that is normally found, but slightly different behavior to relieve symptoms. Sumatriptan are technically in a class of drugs known as agonists 5-HT1B/1D.

Although these new drugs have proven effective in many cases of migraine are some studies that suggest that they are more effective for migraine sufferers insensitive skin. For those who experience skin sensitivity during an attack Sumatriptan may still be effective, but should be taken as soon as possible after the onset of a migraine and preferably within no more than 20 minutes after the onset of symptoms.

In many cases, migraine sufferers experience what is known as an “aura” before the onset of their headaches and this is not the only warning sign of a headache, but also closer to the signal to begin treatment. Although not all patients experience an aura that it varies greatly, but is essentially a visual disturbance that consists of things such as seeing spots or flashing lights.

Triptan drugs were first introduced in the 1990s and today there are different types of drugs available in a variety of different names. A very common treatment is sumatriptan, which is sold under the brand name of Imitrex. This first generation of drugs proved to be very effective, but still not quite do the trick, as well as doctors who have wanted and what we see today a more effective second-generation Sumatriptan. These include zolmitriptán (sold as Zomig) and rizatriptan (sold as MAXALT).

These second-generation drugs are often referred to as “aborters” or “switches” since they are designed to stop a migraine in its early stages and before it is based on the intense and pulsating pain that is so familiar to migraine patients . Second-generation Sumatriptan are preferred by many patients because they do not have to be taken before the arrival of the head, which may be difficult to predict as the symptoms are not always very pronounced. They are effective for a longer period of time, which is also important for those whose migraines can last for days instead of hours. Sumatriptan may also help relieve or eliminate the other migraine symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Another problem that often occur with the medications taken in pill form that is required to have water on hand to take the pill and then take time to work as the pill is broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. Many of the new Sumatriptan, however, such as rizatriptan (sold as MAXALT), are available on a wafer so that simply dissolves on the tongue and drugs are now also available as nasal sprays, which are very fast acting .

As with any Medication Sumatriptan enforce a number of side effects and you should consult your doctor before using any of these drugs to treat migraine..