Triptans Side Effects: An Overview

From: emedTV

Triptans Side Effects: An Overview
As with any type of medicine, there are possible side effects with triptans. However, not everyone who takes triptans will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate them well. When people do develop side effects, in many cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

There are also several factors that seem to affect the chances of developing side effects, including:

The dosage and type of triptan
Age
Other medical conditions you may have
Other medicines being taken at the same time.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with triptans. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of triptan side effects with you.)

Common Side Effects of Triptans
Each triptan has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects seen in a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, some of the most common triptan side effects include:

Nausea
Dry mouth
Abnormal sensations, such as tingling, burning, or pricking (paresthesia)
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Throat or neck symptoms
Warm or cold sensations
Feelings of heaviness, pressure, or tightness (especially in the throat, chest, or neck)
Flushing (redness of the skin, especially of the face).

Serious Side Effects Seen With Triptans
There are a number of less common, but more serious side effects with triptans that you should report to your healthcare provider. These include, but are not limited to:

Severe chest pain or tightness (see Triptans and Heart Problems)
Shortness of breath
Sudden severe abdominal pain (stomach pain)
Bloody diarrhea
Changes in vision, including loss of vision
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained skin rashes, itching, hives, wheezing or shortness of breath, and unexplained swelling.

Side Effects of Triptans: A Summary
You may experience some or none of the triptan side effects explained above. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects or if something "just does not seem right." While it may not be a triptan side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

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