Randomised trial, 2005
Are triptans effective for menstrual migraine?
Yes. Triptans are effective for treating menstrual migraine both as a treatment taken when a migraine starts and as prevention taken regularly to stop migraines before they happen.
What they did
This reviewed evidence from clinical studies of triptans for menstrual migraine. It examined controlled trials that tested how well triptans work and open-label studies where patients openly received triptans.
What they found
Triptans work effectively for acute treatment (taken at the start of a migraine) and preventive therapy. Sumatriptan and zolmitriptan were tested in prospective randomised controlled trials for acute treatment. Sumatriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan and zolmitriptan were tested for preventive therapy. Taking a triptan early, when the headache is still mild, provides the best chance of rapid and complete pain relief.
What it means for you
Women with menstrual migraine can use triptans the same way as for other migraines. Keeping a diary for three menstrual cycles to track when migraines occur helps predict menstrual migraines and decide when to take preventive treatment. The main limit is this is a review of studies, not a single large trial.
About the study
- Original title
- The use of triptans in the management of menstrual migraine
- Authors
- Mannix LK, Files JA
- Journal
- CNS drugs
- Year
- 2005
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Triptans (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200519110-00005
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2023
What hormonal treatments have been tested for PMDD, menstrual migraine, and catamenial epilepsy?
Cohort study, 2022
Can women accurately tell if they have period-related migraines, or do they need to track them?
Guideline, 2021
How should migraine be managed in women, particularly menstrual migraine?
Randomised trial, 2016
Does telcagepant prevent migraines during the menstrual period?
Randomised trial, 2014
Does the combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium reduce menstrual symptoms and migraine?
Randomised trial, 2005
Does sumatriptan work for migraines around the menstrual cycle?