When a migraine hits, time matters. Triptans, a class of prescription drugs designed to stop migraine attacks by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and blocking pain pathways. Also known as serotonin receptor agonists, they’re the most targeted treatment for moderate to severe migraines—and the only ones that actually stop the attack, not just numb the pain. If you’ve ever taken sumatriptan or rizatriptan and felt relief in under an hour, you’ve felt their effect. But not everyone responds the same way. Some get side effects like chest tightness or dizziness. Others find they stop working after a few uses. That’s why knowing your options matters.
Triptans aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are seven FDA-approved types, each with different speeds, durations, and delivery methods. Sumatriptan, the first and most studied triptan, comes as a pill, nasal spray, or injection. Rizatriptan, often faster-acting, works well for people who feel nauseous during attacks. And eletriptan, known for longer-lasting relief, can prevent a rebound headache. But if you’re on beta-blockers, have heart disease, or can’t tolerate the side effects, triptans might not be safe for you. That’s where alternatives come in—like gepants (ubrogepant, rimegepant) or ditans (lasmiditan), which target the same pain signals without narrowing blood vessels. These newer drugs are especially helpful for people who can’t use triptans at all.
The posts below cover real-world issues you might not hear from your doctor: why some people stop responding to triptans, how to tell if your migraine is really a different condition, and what to do when insurance denies your prescription. You’ll also find comparisons with other migraine treatments, tips for tracking what works, and warnings about overuse headaches. Whether you’re new to triptans or have been using them for years, this collection gives you the facts you need to make smarter choices—without the fluff.
Triptans and SSRIs are often wrongly thought to cause serotonin syndrome. New evidence shows the risk is negligible. Learn why this long-standing warning is outdated and how to safely treat migraines while on antidepressants.
