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Are All Triptans Alike?
G.S.Kathpal
Posted Feb 2001
Cephalalgia May 2000

Objective: To study the efficacy, onset of action and side-effect profile of the few currently available triptans with regard to the resolution of migraines and their associated symptoms, as well as the recurrence of headaches.

Method: A total of 320 patients between the ages of 16 and 60 years were studied. There were 80 patients in each group. There were 242 females and 78 males. Patients with visual aura were included, but those with other neurological deficits were excluded. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, angina, arteriosclerotic heart disease or peripheral vascular disease were excluded. Subjects with prolonged aura of more than 60 minutes, familial hemiplegic migraine, basilar artery migraine or migrainous infarction were also excluded.

Conclusion: Sumatriptan is the most effective treatment for migraines, followed by zomatriptan, naratriptan and rizatriptan. The most potent drugs tend to be associated with the most side-effects.