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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Learn how drugs commonly used to treat migraine can interact with each other and medications for other conditionsPeople can take many medications together as part of a complete migraine treatment plan. But it’s important to tell your doctor any migraine drug you’re taking so you’re both aware of possible interactions.It’s helpful for your doctor to know all the treatments you’re using. That includes over-the-counter drugs, herbals, vitamins and supplements. In doing this, they can avoid prescribing medications that could interact or cause compounding side effects. Non-medical treatments, like acupuncture, are also good to talk to your doctor about. This is so they have a full picture of your migraine treatment plan.We rounded up a few frequently asked questions about migraine drug interactions but recommend always talking to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a new medication for the most up-to-date information about drug interactions.What medicines interact with triptans?Triptans are a family of drugs that were specifically developed for the acute treatment of migraine. They are available in oral (pill) form, injections and nasal sprays.Triptans and Ergot AlkaloidsTriptans may narrow normal heart arteries by up to 20%, and ergots may constrict arteries even more. For that reason, you should not combine 2 different triptans or take a triptan with ergots on the same day. Although the exact process is unclear, the concern is that combining those drugs could result in excessive blood vessel narrowing.You should avoid combining:Ergots with one of the eight triptan formulations: almotriptan (Axert®), eletriptan (Relpax®), frovatriptan (Frova®), naratriptan (Amerge®), rizatriptan (Maxalt®), sumatriptan (Imitrex®, Treximet®) and zolmitriptan (Zomig®).Two different triptans in the same day. This does not include switching forms of the same drug, such as switching from a tablet of sumatriptan (Imitrex® or Treximet®) to an injection of sumatriptan.Triptans and SSRIs/SNRIsMany migraine patients have depression, anxiety and migraine, all of which may require treatment. It is common for migraine patients to be on triptans and a serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant (SSRI) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Both triptans and common antidepressants affect serotonin, a naturally occurring “messenger” protein found primarily in the gastrointestinal system, certain blood cells (platelets) and the central nervous system (brain and brainstem).There is a rare condition called serotonin syndrome, which can cause confusion; changes in blood pressure, increased pulse and increased sweating; and muscle changes like twitching, jerking and clumsy gait. The risk of serotonin syndrome is rare. But knowing the side effects and safety risks can alert you to potential interactions so you can change treatment quickly.SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa®), escitalopram (Lexapro®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), fluvoxamine (Luvox®), paroxetine (Paxil®), and sertraline (Zoloft®). SNRIs include venlafaxine (Effexor®), desvenlaxine (Pristiq®), duloxetine (Cymbalta®). Although very few studies look at the risk of serotonin syndrome in migraine patients taking triptans with SSRIs and SNRIs, most doctors agree that the risk is rare.Triptans and MAOIsAn enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO) breaks down some or all of four triptans: almotriptan (Axert), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), and zolmitriptan (Zomig). At the same time, some antidepressants used as anti-migraine drugs work
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