What do you guys know about triptan overuse headaches?
I just learned of them from a nurse at my neurologist’s office. This had never been mentioned before by my neurologist and he prescribes me 30 rizatriptans per month and 7 frovatriptans per month, which covers my 20 migraines (if they decide to work). However, I had no idea that by taking the prescribed medication as directed, I could actually be causing more migraines. But if I don’t take them, I’m in excruciating pain and am… read more
anyone can have a bad reaction to any drug any time. That does not mean most drugs including triptans are not safe. For the vast majority of patients triptans cause few if any minor side effects. I take them every day with zero side effects. In Europe you can get them without a prescription over the counter. Just walk into any drug store and buy all you want anytime you want. Obviousely Europe is not concerned and view them as extremely safe and effective. We should too.
The whole issue of rebound headaches is a controversial one. More and more neurologhists believe there is no such thing as a rebound headache and even if there was it is unetherical to force patients to take a limited number of triptans with no good alternative for pain relief. In other words the patient takes what they need for pain relief rebound or no rebound. It is true a very small minority of patients may build up a tolerance or have side effects that make a change necessary but there needs to be an alternative that works for them first or they needlessly suffer. Of course those of us with migraines are very individual so we never say never, but those that may suffer a real rebound that needs addressing are rare. What we need are open minded neurologists and pharmacists and insurance companies to stop perpeturating this myth that causes many of us needless suffering. My doctor prescribes all the triptans I need which is 2 a day every day but I still have to battle with pharmacists who don't know better. And bye the way did you know that in Europe that triptans are available over the counter without a prescription>.?...Yes it is true. If you live in Europe you can buy all you want anytime you want at your local drugstore. So much for MOH and also Triptans are extremely safe and true cardiac events are rare. Thats why they sell them over the counter in Europe. We are behind the times.
Most of my rebound headaches actually happened more from fioricet and tramadol, but I would occasionally get rebound from triptans too.
That is your view. Many world renowned neurologists believe it is a myth, including Dr. Mauskop. I am not saying it is or it is not because it is controversial. What I am saying is we should be open minded about alternative well researched points of view Millions use triptans daily with no MOU ever, but there are always exceptions and the exceptions prove the rule. It is not even an issue in european countries where it is sold over the counter.
That was Docto Alexander Mauskop: Book: The end of migraines. Available on amazon