A comprehensive analysis of nearly 140 clinical trials involving around 90,000 participants has found that the triptan class of drugs remains more effective in treating migraine headaches compared to newer, more expensive options. The findings, published in The British Medical Journal, highlight that established triptans such as eletriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan provide superior pain relief compared to newer medications like lasmiditan, rimegepant, and ubrogepant.

Since their introduction in the 1990s, triptans have been a cornerstone in migraine treatment. These medications work by altering blood circulation in the brain and inhibiting overactive pain nerves, thereby changing the way pain is processed.

The study’s results underscore the importance of reevaluating treatment options for migraine sufferers, particularly given the effectiveness and established history of triptan drugs, which are widely marketed in India.