Sunday, October 19, 2008 Ariana asks

Q: Your experiences with triptans?

My doctor prescribed Maxalt melt tablets for my migraines. They work more often than not, but not always. Probably about 2/3 of the time. From reading here, I've learned that one triptan can work better than another.

What I'm wondering is what percentage of the time does the triptan that's best for a person usually work? Should I be content with 2/3 of the time? Should I ask my doctor to try something else?

Sorry to be asking so many questions. I don't really have other migraine sufferers to ask these questions, and I'd like to be better informed and know how some things work for other people before talking to my doctor.

Thank you,

Ariana

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Answers (6)

Nebula

10/19/08 10:37am

I take imitrex and it works for me 100% of the time. Sometimes after taking an imitrex I feel better but not completely headache free...so I take another one and that almost always does the trick. I never worry about whether or not it will work when I take it.

migalsal

10/19/08 11:49am

I take axert now. I used to take imitrex but side effects were stronger. Axert works every time and so did imitrex. A lot of the time the migraine returns within 18 hours so I may need another dose which is problematic as I sometimes have 3 migraines per week and cannot take these drugs over twice per week optimally. Don't be satisfied with 2/3 success.

justgrateful

10/20/08 12:59pm

Hi Ariana,

I take Maxalt melt tablets and Frova for my migraines. Most of the time they work. But I think it is important to mention that it depends on when I take it. If I take the triptan at the start of the migraine (for me aura) I can pretty much knock it out. If I take it later (pain stage, or motor weakness for me) it may take a couple dosages.

My understanding is the triptans work differently depending on your type of migraine and how your body reacts. For example, Frova is given alot of times for menstral migrainers. Also, it is important for me to look at the side effects.

In my opinion, I don't see how it would hurt to talk it over with your Migraine Specialist and see if another triptan may work better for you. There is no harm is asking. I don't think I would except 2/3 of the time when something might work better.

Hope this helps

Cindy

10/20/08 3:54pm

Hi Ariana,

I've taken both Imitrex and Frova. Both are very effective, espically when taken as soon as I realize I have a migraine. I would put both of them at 90% effective. The effectiveness drops if I wake up and it's a full blow problem. They work, but a second dose is often needed or a rescue med.

Hope the information is helpful to you.

Cindy

hoopsky

10/21/08 8:10pm

Ariana, I have taken many triptans over the years. Maxalt, Amerge, Imitrex . . . I've used them all. I have found that triptans work for me for a while but eventually lose their effectiveness. That's when I move on to another one.

Currently, I'm on Relpax and Frova. Frova is losing it's power with me so I don't think I will refill it once I use up what I have. Relpax is still my current savior!

Any triptan I've used only worked about 70% of the time. I've never gotten them to do more than that. If I take them right away and lay down for 20 minutes, I increase the chances of my triptan working.

Best wishes. Teri

Laura

10/22/08 8:35am

For me it depends on the actual Migraine itself and when I'm able to treat it. If the Migraine comes on during the day, I take an Axert and about 85% of the time the Migraine is aborted or at least halted, sometimes it takes a second dose to achieve those results.

However, if it is a Migraine I wake up with, which most of mine are, these are a bit more difficult for me to treat. I normally use my Zomig Nasal Spray and if the Migraine isn't to progressed it will also work about 85% of the time. If the Migraine is to far along, sometimes the Zomig won't work as well.

I hope this helps

Q: Your experiences with triptans?

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