Medications Information
Articles Index
Eletriptan: Switching Triptans for Greater Efficacy.
If your triptans aren't working as well as they used to, you frequently need a second dose, or think you may be experiencing rebound headaches from some of the older triptans, you'll definitely want to continue reading about a study conducted with Relpax (eletriptan).
Zomig Now Approved In Nasal Spray Form
Migraineurs and cluster headache sufferers who rely on triptans for relief, now have three formulas of Zomig available as the FDA has approved AstraZeneca's new Zomig (zolmitriptan) Nasal Spray, available in 5.0, 2.5, 1.0, and 0.5 mg dosages, for Migraine with or without aura. Zomig Nasal Spray joins the other two Zomig formulas, regular tablets and Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablets.
Triptans Pose Less Risk Than OTC Meds for Some Patients
Since triptans (Imitrex/sumatriptan, Maxalt/rizatriptan, etc.) were introduced in 1992, some doctors have been reluctant to prescribe them because of concerns about cardiovascular safety. Some refused to prescribe them for patients beyond a certain age even if they had no history of or risk factors for coronary artery disease. A new report offers evidence of their safety for those patients.
Midrin or Imitrex for Aborting Migraine?
Midrin or Imitrex? A recent study compared Midrin and Imitrex taken at first sign of attack and concluded that Midrin may have a slight advantage in early treatment of mild-to-moderate migraine.
Triptans: Overview and Profiles
Triptans: Overview and Profiles. December 28, 1992, marked a new era for Migraine and Cluster sufferers. The FDA approved the first of a class of medications that many Migraineurs would come to call "miracle drugs." That drug was the injectable form of sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imigran), the first of the triptans. There are now seven triptans available, increasing the options for us to find at least one that will abort our Migraines and cluster headaches.
Neurontin: Good Medicine or Bad News?
There's been some controversy lately about Neurontin (gabapentin), a medication that is being prescribed off-label for prevention of cluster headaches and Migraine attacks. It's imporant to recognize what the controversy actually entials and be able to separate it from the clinical information about Neurontin.
Fiorinal, Fioricet, and other Butalbital Compounds for Headaches and Migraine
Fioricet, Fiorinal, Fioricet with Codeine, and Fiorinal with Codeine are medications discussed quite frequently on our forums and in our chat room. These medications are both a source of relief to some and a source of problems to others. An article by Dr. Stephen Silberstein and Dr. Douglas McCrory in the December, 2001, issue of "Headache: the Journal of Head and Face Pain" provides a great deal of information, results of clinical trials, and the answers to many of our questions.
A New Class of Abortive Is in Development
Researchers in Europe and the United States are at work studying a new abortive medication for Migraine treatment. The drug, labeled BIBN4096 BS is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist. Serum levels of CGRP are elevated in patients with cluster headaches and Migraine. Results of a first clinical trial are promising. Of special note is that this medication may be safe for patients with heart disease.
Do Some Antidepressants Deepen Depression and Suicidality?
The FDA has requested that the manufacturers of nine antidepressants add warnings to their labels that they may worsen depression and suicidality. An ongoing review of clinical trials is being conducted to investigate how to optimize the safe use of these drugs.
Butalbital Meds Rebound: Breaking the Cycle
Medications containing butalbital with either acetaminophen or aspirin, usually with caffeine, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for headaches and Migraine attacks. Unfortunately, overuse of these meds often leads to rebound headaches. Specialists suggest that oral Phenobarbital loading can be used to safely withdraw these medications.
Urgent Recall: One Lot of Janssen Pharmaceutica Duragesic Patches
Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, L.P., is recalling one manufacturing lot (control number 0327192) of the 75 mcg per hour strength of its prescription DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system CII) patches, which are used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain. A small percentage of these patches, which were distributed only in the U.S., may leak medication along one edge. No other lots or dosage strengths are affected. The company has consulted with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
New Migraine Abortive for Adolescents
Adolescents, ages 12-17, who suffer from Migraine disease and Cluster headaches now have a new abortive tool in their arsenal as September 1 marked the launch of a new abortive medication. Imigran 10mg Nasal Spray has been licensed for use by adolescents, making it the first and only triptan class medication approved for patients in this age range.
Frova (frovatriptan): Newest Triptan on U.S. Market.
A new member has been born into the triptan family for the treatment of Migraine disease and Cluster Headaches — Frova® (frovatriptan) from the Élan Corporation. The April, 2002, issue of the journal Headache is dedicated almost entirely to articles on Frova®. This "second generation" triptan is meant to deliver the desirable effects of previous triptans without the negatives.
Dixon's Acetaminophen 325mg Tabs, Lot #319687 Recalled
Magno-Humphries, Inc., in cooperation with the FDA, voluntarily recalled one lot (504 bottles) of Dixon's(r), Acetaminophen 325 mg Tablets, with lot number 319687. The tablets contained in the mislabeled bottles are 500 mg Acetaminophen, instead of 325mg Acetaminophen. Overdoses of acetaminophen can lead to severe health problems including liver toxicity and liver failure. The acetaminophen was sold under the Dixon's label at retail stores and pharmacies nationwide beginning in August 2003.
Topamax: Use With Caution
On September 26, 2001, Joseph Hulihan, M.D., Director of CNS Research at Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. issued a warning statement to health care professionals warning of some startling potential side effects of Topamax. A syndrome consisting of acute myopia associated with secondary angle closure glaucoma has been reported in patients receiving Topamax. Symptoms include acute onset of decreased visual acuity and/or ocular pain.
Over-the-Counter Drugs and Head Pain
Headaches and Migraines can be so intolerable that it's easy to think that only prescription medications will work to relieve the pain, but over-the-counter (OTC) medications are often very helpful, and may be all you need for many episodes. Especially when taken early, these medications can be quite effective. Information and buying tips about OTC medications.
OxyContin: The Saga Continues!
OxyContin: The Saga Continues! Who's being hurt, and what's being done? Much has happened since I reported in February. Abuse has become wider spread; the DEA has gotten into the act; and Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, has gone to great lengths to address the problems. Information available now is more accurate, less hype. Early death figures attributed to abuse of OxyContin have now been shown to include deaths in which alcohol and other drugs were as big a factor as OxyContin.
Narcotic OxyContin: Savior or Killer**
For many people in severe pain, OxyContin has been their "miracle drug." From cancer patients to many of the headache sufferers who frequent this site, OxyContin is the only drug that controls their pain. Unfortunately, as has happened with too many other sorely needed medications, it is now being abused as a "street drug."
Sumatriptan (Imitrex) Safe During Pregnancy?
GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imigran) set up a registry in 1996 to gather data regarding prenatal exposure to sumatriptan. After seven years of gathering data, a report was recently presented at the 11th Congress of the International Headache Society (IHS). Although not yet conclusive, the results are encouraging.
Frova® for Menstrually Associated Migraine
Two studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Headache Society showed that Frova (frovatriptan) is effective as a preventive medication for menstrually Associated Migraine. Frova does not seem to induce rebound headaches. It's efficacy is not affected by the use of oral contraceptives.