Which two types of headaches are commonly treated with triptans?

Triptans are a class of medications specifically designed to treat certain types of headaches, particularly migraines and cluster headaches. These drugs work by acting on serotonin receptors in the brain, helping to relieve headache pain by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation.

Migraines are typically characterized by moderate to severe pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Triptans have proven to be effective for this type of headache due to their ability to target the underlying physiological changes that occur during a migraine attack.

Similarly, cluster headaches, which are much less common but extremely painful, also respond well to triptan treatment. These headaches occur in cyclical patterns and are characterized by intense, unilateral pain that often occurs at the same time each day. The effectiveness of triptans in treating these attacks has made them a preferred choice for acute relief.

In contrast, tension headaches and sinus headaches do not typically respond to triptans. Tension headaches are often managed with over-the-counter analgesics, while sinus headaches are usually treated with decongestants, antihistamines, or corticosteroids, depending on the underlying cause.