What class of drugs is often used for migraine therapy?

Triptans are a specific class of medications designed specifically for the acute treatment of migraines. They work by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to vasoconstriction of cerebral blood vessels and consequently alleviating the headache symptoms associated with migraines. This targeted action makes triptans effective for managing migraine attacks once they start.

While other classes of drugs can be involved in migraine therapy, such as analgesics for pain relief or antidepressants that may help with the prevention of migraines, triptans are uniquely formulated and studied for their efficacy in directly treating migraine episodes. They are generally considered a first-line treatment due to their rapid onset of action and ability to reduce the severity of migraine symptoms.