What makes a triptan different
Migraine can cause throbbing head pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people also have aura. Triptans act on serotonin receptors involved in migraine pathways and are used once an attack has started. They do not prevent every future attack.
NICE guidance recommends discussing a triptan together with either an anti-inflammatory painkiller or paracetamol for acute migraine. Some people prefer one medicine, cannot take an anti-inflammatory, or need an anti-sickness medicine as well. The best plan depends on your history.
Timing and overuse matter
Follow the directions for the particular triptan. If one triptan repeatedly does not help, a clinician may consider another rather than simply increasing how often you take it. Frequent use of acute headache medicines can itself contribute to medication-overuse headache.
Keep a simple diary of attack dates, symptoms, possible triggers, period timing, medicines and response. It gives a prescriber more useful information than a single estimate from memory.
Know the red flags
Call 999 for a sudden extremely painful headache, weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of vision, seizure, or symptoms after a serious head injury. Seek urgent advice for a new headache in pregnancy or soon after birth, a major change from your usual migraine, fever with a stiff neck, or persistent neurological symptoms.
An online service is most appropriate for a familiar, previously assessed migraine pattern. New or uncertain symptoms deserve an in-person clinical assessment.
Sources
This guide is for general information. It cannot diagnose you or confirm that a medicine is safe for you. A clinician must assess your individual health and medicines. Call 999 in an emergency or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.