Triptans and Sensory Disturbances

Introduction to Triptan Side Effects

Triptans do not specifically cause an intermittent burning sensation in the brain, but they can cause various sensory disturbances as side effects, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians 1, 2

Chest pressure or heaviness and paresthesias (abnormal sensations) are common sensory disturbances associated with triptan use, as reported by the American Academy of Family Physicians 3

If a patient experiences unpleasant sensory disturbances with one triptan, trying a different triptan may be beneficial, as suggested by the American Academy of Family Physicians 4, 5
Patients should try a medication for 2-3 headache episodes before abandoning that line of therapy, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians 4, 5
Triptans are contraindicated in patients with ischemic vascular conditions, vasospastic coronary disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or other significant cardiovascular disease, as stated by the American Academy of Family Physicians 4, 6

If a patient is scheduled for surgery, triptans should be taken preoperatively but held on the day of operation, as recommended by the American College of Physicians 1, 2