Neurological disease of migraine , which is characterized by bouts of intense and painful headaches, is quite common nowadays. In the treatment of migraine, preparations of various groups are used, and the medication itself is aimed at both arresting migraine attacks and preventing them (prevention). The choice of antimigrenous drugs is carried out for patients individually, taking into account provoking factors, emotional-personal characteristics, presence of concomitant pathologies, intensity of pain, etc.
One of the most effective medicines for getting rid of the symptoms of migraine are the preparations of the group of triptans. Triptans are directed drugs that not only help to relieve the painful underlying and additional migraine symptoms, but also reduce the frequency of seizures.
Mechanism of action of triptans
Triptans are medications for migraine, which are recommended for patients with severe seizures (attacks), as well as with a pronounced degree of disadaptation. Triptans are derivatives of serotonin, the mediator of the nervous system.
The exact and complete mechanism of action of the drugs of this group has not been sufficiently studied so far. It is assumed that these medicines fight migraine attacks, having the following main effects on the trigeminovascular system (neurons of the trigeminal nerve core and innervated cerebral vessels, which are an important link in the "launch" of the attack):
- inhibition of the trigeminal nerve system (neuroinhibitory effect);
- narrowing of the cerebrospinal vessels and vessels of the membranes of the brain and slowing of the blood flow in them (vasoconstrictor action).
It should be noted that the triptans do not affect other blood vessels of the human body.
Types of triptans
The first triptan, which began to be used for migraine, is sumatriptan. The use of this tool, its study, clinical trials have allowed to improve the effects of triptans and to produce new, more effective drugs. To date, the most well-known and widely used medicines from the group of triptans are:
- Naratriptan;
- Frovatriptan;
- Eletriptan;
- Risotriptan;
- Zolmitriptan;
- Almotriptan and others.
As a rule, triptans are available in the form of tablets for oral administration. However, there are also preparations of this group for intranasal (sprays) and subcutaneous injections (injections), as well as triptans in the form of rectal suppositories.
Features of triptans
Tryptans should be taken immediately after the onset of the first symptoms of a migraine attack. Tablets can not be bitten, they need to be washed down with plenty of water. As a rule, one tablet is enough to stop an attack. If the pain does not subside, the next pill can be taken after 2 hours. Strengthen the effect of the joint use of drugs of this class with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (on the recommendation of a doctor).
Do not take triptans during the migraine aura . With severe nausea and vomiting, rectal, intranasal or intramuscular routes of administration are preferred. Tryptans can not be taken more often than 2 times a week. You can not combine their use with antibiotics, antivirals or antidepressants.
How dangerous are triptans?
Clinical studies show a fairly good tolerance of triptans to different patients.
Triptans are contraindicated in such cases:
- arterial hypertension;
- chronic disorders of cerebral circulation;
- heart failure;
- cardiac ischemia;
- severe hepatic and renal insufficiency;
- pregnancy and lactation.