Avitriptan

Avitriptan

Avitriptan is a drug that belongs to the triptan class. It is primarily used in the treatment of migraine headaches.

Pharmacology

Avitriptan works by stimulating serotonin (5-HT) receptors in the brain, which causes the blood vessels in the brain to constrict. This helps to alleviate the pain of migraine headaches. The exact mechanism of how Avitriptan works is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the inhibition of pro-inflammatory neuropeptide release.

Clinical Use

Avitriptan is used for the acute treatment of migraines with or without aura in adults. It is not intended for the prophylactic therapy of migraine or for use in the management of hemiplegic or basilar migraine. Avitriptan is typically taken orally, but can also be administered by nasal spray or injection.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Avitriptan include dizziness, nausea, and muscle weakness. In rare cases, Avitriptan can cause more serious side effects such as heart attack or stroke. Patients are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden and severe headache.

Contraindications

Avitriptan is contraindicated in patients with a history of coronary artery disease, angina, or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease. It is also contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or severe liver disease.

See Also

• Triptan
• Migraine
• Serotonin