Migraines are very overwhelming, particularly when seeking
the appropriate treatment. All these drugs can be confusing, and it is hard to
know which ones are effective, how medications are different, and which drugs
are good and may suit you. Virtual consultations have rendered communication
easier than ever with healthcare professionals, yet some background knowledge
will make those conversations the most beneficial. It is a good place to start
by understanding whether Nurtec is a typical triptan or not.
How Migraine Medications Are Grouped
There are two categories of migraine treatment: preventive
and acute. Prevention drugs are administered on a regular basis to lower the
number of attacks. Still, when a migraine starts, efforts are put in to employ
acute therapies to ensure that the symptoms do not escalate. In such
populations, drugs vary in their mechanism. Triptans, such as those, are aimed
at serotonin receptors of the brain so that blood vessels can be narrow, so
that the pain messages can be relaxed. Other classes of drugs target other
pathways. It is at this point that new products like Nurtec enter the picture.
They do not behave like older triptans, but instead start to target migraine
mechanisms in a different pathway.
What Makes Triptans Distinct
Triptans are a well-known treatment that has been prescribed
extensively over the decades and is still one of the most commonly prescribed
migraine treatments. Such drugs are Sumatriptan and Rizatriptan, usually used
during the onset of a migraine. They trigger the serotonin receptors to make
the blood vessels narrow and the pain pathways less active. Although it works
for many people, triptans do not work in all. Patients and providers tend to
consider alternatives to these considerations, as triptans are not tolerated or
do not work to relieve pain.
Finding a Place for Nurtec Fits in the Landscape
It is at this point that the question arises: Is Nurtec a triptan? The response is no. Nurtec (rimegepant) is a more recent
group of migraine drugs called CGRP receptor antagonists or gepants. Nurtec
instead of constricting blood vessels, stops the action of a protein known as
calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which significantly contributes to the
development of migraine. This way, it can prevent a migraine in its course or
prevent subsequent migraines.
Since Nurtec does not affect blood vessels, it can be the
choice of those people who are not able to take triptans because of the
cardiovascular risks. It is also associated with a different side effect
profile and can therefore be more tolerable by some patients. Nurtec can be
used as both an acute and preventive therapy, a feature that further helps
distinguish it further compared to the triptans that are used only as
acute-based therapies.
The use of Virtual Consults to make things clearer
These differences would be difficult to sort out without the
help of a professional. Virtual consultations offer the opportunity to
communicate the history of migraine, treatment objectives, and experiences with
medications with a medical expert conveniently. In an online visit, a doctor will
be able to consider whether triptans, Nurtec, or another type of medication is
the most appropriate.
The progress can also be tracked over time through virtual
consults. In the case that a patient fails to respond to a Triptan, they can
schedule a follow-up online appointment to discuss other options, such as
Nurtec. On the same note, the providers can monitor the effectiveness of a
preventive measure in decreasing the number of migraine attacks or whether a
change in approach is necessary. This flexibility also makes the patients feel
that they are supported without the barrier of seeing the office regularly.
Questions to Ask During Your Online Visit
The readiness to have a virtual consultation is a guarantee
that the consultation will be fruitful. The patient may inquire about the
advantages and disadvantages of triptans versus newer drugs. Possible side
effects, the interaction with other prescriptions, and the need to have a
preventative plan should also be discussed.
The other question that is of great importance is the
question of lifestyle and convenience. Some individuals like oral dissolving
pills such as Nurtec, some may find nasal sprays and injections more effective
to prevent an attack promptly. Raising these preferences can lead to discussion
of the practical, personalized treatment strategies.
Conclusion
It is important to be aware of the differences between
migraine medications to be able to approach virtual consultations with clarity.
Tripans are still a staple with many, although not the only choice. Some newer
treatments, such as Nurtec, increase the range of possibilities, providing an
option to those who require it.
