A recent study reveals a class of medications known as ‘triptans’ may be the best at managing the pain associated with migraines.
Migraines are more than just headaches. They are debilitating episodes of throbbing pain, that can profoundly affect a person’s quality of life.
First published in the Neurology Journal, the study analysed self-reported data from 278,000 participants over a six-year period.
Using an app called ‘My Migraine Buddy’, participants logged entries that tracked their migraine episodes, and rate the helpfulness of medications taken at the time under a ‘helpful’, ‘somewhat helpful’, or ‘unhelpful’ grading system.
Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, and Chief of the Division of Headache at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dr Elizabeth Loder, Boston, USA, assisted with analysing the study findings in a recent article published by Harvard Health.
The researchers unveiled triptans as the emerging frontrunners for providing relief from those affected by migraines. This class of medications designed to target migraine symptoms directly, demonstrated significant effectiveness in alleviating the intense pain associated with migraines.
Among the group, eletriptan stood out as particularly beneficial, with a success rate of 78 per cent among the study participants. Other triptans, such as zolmitriptan and sumatriptan, were also reported to offer effective relief.
Beyond triptans, the study highlighted the positive impact of ergot drugs, such as dihydroergotamine and anti-emetics, including promethazine, in mitigating migraine symptoms.
While not as widely recognised as triptans, these medications played a significant role in providing relief, underscoring the importance of tailoring treatment to an individual’s needs.
Despite its ubiquity, and being the most frequently used medication in the study, the over-the-counter pain reliever, ibuprofen, fell short in providing substantial relief for those affected by migraines, with just a 42 per cent success rate in helping tolerate migraine pain.
Importantly, the study revealed a stark contrast in the effectiveness between over-the-counter remedies and prescription medications, reinforcing the importance of healthcare providers tailoring personalised treatment plans to the severity, and frequency of an individual’s migraine episodes.
The study however, had notable limitations, including the absence of data on newer migraine medications, and the select nature of the study population.
The study’s insights however, highlight the pressing need for tailored treatments, and the importance of leveraging technology to track symptoms and treatment outcomes effectively.
If you, or a loved one are struggling with migraines, visit your healthcare provider without delay.