The safety of triptans in the treatment of patients with migraine. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • The introduction of the triptans (5-hydroxytryptophan [5-HT] (1B/1D) agonists) in the past decade has brought migraine-specific pain relief to those suffering from migraine. These drugs activate the serotonin receptors 5-HT(1B) and 5-HT(1D) on cerebral vessels. Concerns about their safety, particularly in patients with vascular risk factors, have been raised because triptans also activate the 5-HT(1B) receptors on coronary arteries. Although triptans are contraindicated in patients with cardiac or cerebrovascular disease, they are safer than many other medications used to treat patients with migraine, including the nonspecific serotonin-agonist ergot preparations.

publication date

  • February 1, 2002

Research

keywords

  • Migraine Disorders
  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0037083227

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/s0002-9343(01)01064-6

PubMed ID

  • 11835952

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 112

issue

  • 2