Sumatriptin (Imitex), as well as its spinoffs, also work at reducing plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide which are raised during a migraine attack. Triptin meds have vasoconstrictive mechanisms that can have effects not only on cranial vasculature, but elsewhere in the body. CGRP receptors are throughout the body and its mechanisms of action are still not thoroughly understood. People with HTN must use with caution and cases of bowel necrosis have been reported. These side effects are more likely to occur with more frequent use rather than occasional usage such as a few times a year. But, if sumatriptan has to be used, say on a weekly basis, then other treatments should be looked into rather than relying on this type of drug. The risk for unintended long term side effects cannot be ignored.
Everything concerning drugs has to be risk/benefit weighed. All drugs come with side effects. I suffer with chronic atypical migraine that I have struggled with since childhood. You name it, and I have probably tried it - everything allopathic and alternative. Nothing has given me any long lasting relief that doesn't break the bank. There are some good alternative therapies out there that worked for me - but I cannot afford them over the long haul. So, I keep my diet in check, reduce EMF exposure, use herbals and essential oils, and do what I can with OTC and a couple of old school prescription pain meds as needed. It seems to me that the only new drugs that are developed are for profit, and in the end come with a price tag and toxicity I am not willing to accept. The triptans were the last new meds formulated for migraine that I tried. It gave me chest pain, so I stopped. I take 5HTP instead of the drug. Every little bit helps. Whatever treatment someone chooses to help with migraine, they need to understand the risks. Sometimes the short term relief comes with a price tag down the road that is not worth the cost of admission.
Here is the rundown on Emigality just in case anyone is interested. It is a recombinant monoclonal antibody biologic. https://www.drugs.com/monograph/galcanezumab-gnlm.html Besides the cost, there are also some long term side effect concerns related to CGRP Antagonists. https://southernpainsociety.org/cgrp-antagonists-long-term-side-effects/
Sumatriptin (Imitex), as well as its spinoffs, also work at reducing plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide which are raised during a migraine attack. Triptin meds have vasoconstrictive mechanisms that can have effects not only on cranial vasculature, but elsewhere in the body. CGRP receptors are throughout the body and its mechanisms of action are still not thoroughly understood. People with HTN must use with caution and cases of bowel necrosis have been reported. These side effects are more likely to occur with more frequent use rather than occasional usage such as a few times a year. But, if sumatriptan has to be used, say on a weekly basis, then other treatments should be looked into rather than relying on this type of drug. The risk for unintended long term side effects cannot be ignored.
Everything concerning drugs has to be risk/benefit weighed. All drugs come with side effects. I suffer with chronic atypical migraine that I have struggled with since childhood. You name it, and I have probably tried it - everything allopathic and alternative. Nothing has given me any long lasting relief that doesn't break the bank. There are some good alternative therapies out there that worked for me - but I cannot afford them over the long haul. So, I keep my diet in check, reduce EMF exposure, use herbals and essential oils, and do what I can with OTC and a couple of old school prescription pain meds as needed. It seems to me that the only new drugs that are developed are for profit, and in the end come with a price tag and toxicity I am not willing to accept. The triptans were the last new meds formulated for migraine that I tried. It gave me chest pain, so I stopped. I take 5HTP instead of the drug. Every little bit helps. Whatever treatment someone chooses to help with migraine, they need to understand the risks. Sometimes the short term relief comes with a price tag down the road that is not worth the cost of admission.