Triptans are drugs that increase the levels of serotonin in the brain so that the blood vessels constrict. This treats the symptoms of migraine headaches, which can cause nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, sensitivity to sound and sensitivity to light. These drugs should only be used under the supervision of a licensed medical professional.
Almotriptan Malate
Almotriptan malate can lessen or completely eliminate the symptoms of a migraine. This drug should not be taken with other migraine medications or with medications like itraconazole, ritonavir, ketoconazole or erythromycin. Possible side effects of almotriptan malate include eye discharge, swelling of the skin, eye itching, redness of the eye and redness of the lining of the eyelid.
Frovatriptan Succinate
Frovatriptan succinate is used to treat migraines that cause visual disturbances, as well as migraine attacks that are not accompanied by these disturbances. According to Physician's Desk Reference, the possible side effects of frovatriptan succinate include dizziness, fatigue, headache, joint pain, bone pain, dry mouth, flushing, cold sensation, hot sensation and tingling feelings.
Rizatriptan Benzoate
Rizatriptan benzoate can be used to treat migraine headaches that present with or without aura, which is a visual disturbance that may cause flashes of light, blind spots and zigzagging patterns. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, blood pressure increases, palpitation, dizziness, chest pain, fatigue, drowsiness, skin flushing, hot flashes, abdominal pain, dry mouth and nausea occurred in 1 to 10 percent of clinical trial subjects.
Zolmitriptan
Zolmitriptan is used to treat migraines by blocking the release of chemicals that cause migraine symptoms. This drug should not be taken in combination with other migraine medications or for headaches that do not present with typical migraine symptoms. The National Institutes of Health lists the possible side effects of zolmitriptan as hot or cold sensations, dry mouth, heartburn, weakness, burning or tingling, drowsiness, upset stomach and sweating.
Eletriptan Hydrobromide
Eletriptan hydrobromide should not be used in patients who have or have had Prinzmetal's angina, coronary artery vasospasm, ischemic heart disease, strokes, peripheral vascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension. According to the National Institutes of Health, clinical trial participants experienced several adverse effects with the use of this drug. These side effects include flushing, chest pain, chest tightness, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, dry mouth, indigestion, nausea, difficulty swallowing, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, physical weakness, numbness and tingling.
Naratriptan Hydrochloride
Naratriptan hydrochloride should not be used for migraine treatment in people who have cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, ischemic bowel disease or angina pectoris. Since this drug can cause an increase in blood pressure, it should not be used in people with hypertension that is not controlled. People with liver or kidney disease may not be able to take naratriptan, or may have to take a reduce dose of the drug. Possible side effects of this drug include nausea, dizziness, malaise, fatigue, drowsiness, unusual sensations, gastrointestinal changes, numbness and tingling.
Sumatriptan Succinate
Sumatriptan succinate is used to treat both migraine headaches and cluster headaches, which affect one side of the head and occur in waves. This medication is not for daily use and should only be used during a migraine or cluster headache attack. Sumatriptan succinate should be avoided by people with circulatory problems, angina, blood vessel diseases, heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, liver disease or a history of stroke or heart attack. Possible side effects of this drug include dizziness, flushing, muscle weakness, neck pain, numbness, stiffness, sore throat, warm or cold sensations, burning sensations and vertigo.
