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Are all Triptans about the same? I’ve had two doctors now prescribe me imitrix both in pill and shot versions. The second doctor is convinced that I’ve not given the drug enough chance to work as “it’s worked wonders for 85% of people out there”. All it does is make me feel very weak, sick and dizzy to go with the pounding in my head, or nothing at all and the sickness/dizziness is just the migraine. Is there a different Triptan I should ask to try?

Skel, Only your physician is qualified to prescribe your medication. That said, there are a handful of different triptans. Each has something special about it that makes it somewhat unique. For instance, while Imitrex injections act very quickly, Frova tablets last the longest. While some patients need the fast acting qualities of sumatriptan (Imitrex) others do much better when the triptan stays in their system an extra long time, such as Frova provides. Those with Menstrual Migraines usually do better on Frova.

So yes, there are multiple types of triptans, and while one may not be working for you, another might. Seeing a headache specialist who is well versed in the different types of triptans and how to use them is best, but if that’s not possible for you right now, consider asking your doctor to try a different triptan in case you might have some better luck with it.

Sumatriptan itself doesn’t usually need “time” to work. Either it works for your attack, or it doesn’t. This doesn’t usually change a lot with time or repetitive use, although every attack can be different from the last one you had…

I started on Imitrex(nasal) and it worked beautifully the first time or two. Within seconds I had relief and I could live amongst the living again. But as time went on–the Imitrex worked less and less until I had a reaction to it. My throat closed shut and I could not suck one ounce of air. Talk about panic! EVERY time I had this reaction I would get the throat swelling 72 hours after I took the Imitrex. And what is weird is that my migraines usually last right around 72 hrs too. Anyone else have reactions to Imitrex. It worked beautifully the first two times!!!

BONKERSBGOOD,

Yikes! Sorry that happened to you. What did your doctor say about this? I don’t understand how the Imitrex could have caused that reaction 72 hours later because it should have been totally out of your system long before that. The half-life of Imitrex Nasal Spray is only two hours, so it’s out of the system within 12 hours. I’m not questioning what you say, just trying to figure out how this could have happened. Have you tried any of the other triptans? Zomig also makes a nasal spray.

Teri

My Axert isn’t working anymore, has that happened to others?

Wren, how often have you been using the Axert ? Have you tried the sumatriptan injectable (SumavelDosepro) ? That works incredibly fast (at least for me, although side effects happen faster also). Greg

Within the past two years I have had a steady increase in the number of migraines that I am getting. With what I am reading, I think I may be lucky because the triptans usually work for me. I am just concerned at the amount of them I am taking. I take about 6 a week, but at least I am still functioning at work. I worry about the impact this will have on my body.

Sallie,

You said you’re taking six triptans a week. How many days are you using them. The number of days seems to be more important than the number of doses. Are you working with your doctor on preventives?

Hello Teri,
Thanks for responding. Typically, I am able to take one and I am good to go. Of course, good to go is relative. However, I have the tricky ones that may take two doses or the Meds may not work at all. I would have to say that I am averaging 5-6 days a week (I hate to admit that). I definitely feel that I have gotten stuck.
I am on preventatives, believe it or not. My current cocktail is zonisimide, topamax, buproprion and flexaril. I have just not been able to get them under control as they have been increasing. I did have a wonderful 2weeks free of migraines when I was put on prednisone to break the cycle. Unfortunately they returned once I came off of it. I had my first round of Botox in November with the hopes of some change. I am scheduled again in February, but I am unsure if I want to continue because I feel that I may be worse.
My Neuro said that I am ok as long as I don’t take more that 6 triptans in a week. I did have a visit with the PA in the office and she didn’t seem to have the same approval of the 6 triptans number, but would not disagree with the Neuro.
I know my husband is worried every time I take something and I don’t feel that I can honestly ease his mind. I have been taking the triptans since I was about 17 and I am now 32, but I have never taken them in the quantity that I am now.

A migraine sufferer for 3 years (living in the tropics)I discovered Zomig and Imigran Nasal spray 4 months ago, and felt like my life had been saved.
However a month ago while in the shower I noticed that the veins running over my hips were suddenly visible. I had never seen them before.
Two weeks after that I noticed visible veins in my arms and shoulders.
I went to my GP who was confident it was a side-effect of the triptans, due to the vascular nature of their work. She asked me to not use them anymore and to seek out natural alternatives for preventing and treating migraines. That same day I had a migraine attack, as the pain increased (with no relief from massage, cold showers, deep breathing, and visualisation) I could not handle it anymore and took a spray (20mg dose) which killed it. The next day I noticed a new web of veins across my chest, so I think my GP is right. She says she feels they will eventually go back to normal.
I can’t see any documentation of this side-effect in my research.
Has anyone else ever come across this and do I have anything to worry about?