Triptans--why once?

Objective: To evaluate triptan use patterns in a large Israeli HMO district.

Background: Triptans, 5HT(1B/1D) agonists, provide an effective and safe relief of headache and accompanying symptoms during an acute migraine attack.

Method: We retrospectively reviewed the computerized prescription filling data of 1498 patients who filled a first triptan prescription between July 2003 and June 2004.

Results: During a 1-year follow-up period, 841 patients (56.1%) purchased triptans only once. Single-time users were significantly more prevalent among men and in patients younger than 30 or older than 70 years.

Conclusions: It seems that many migraine patients choose not to use triptans after their first experience with the drug.