Migraine

Hello,
Does anyone have any information or experience with triptans and stroke or heart attack risk. My nuerologist asures me of their safety and I am very thankful to have an abortive medication, but I have family history of stroke and heart attack. I also had blood clots in my 20's from oral contraceptives and was on blood thinners for 1 year. My mom died at 61 of a heart attack my two brothers were 56 and 60 of stroke. I am 49 and get chest pain when I take 2 to 3 Zomig in a week. I am trying another preventative Topamax (again) as to avoid the triptans. I have had migrains for at least 12 years and tried many preventatives. I dread taking Zomig but the alternative is suffering for days or the e-ward. Thanks!
Trish

Hello, Trish, welcome to the forum. We're glad you found us.

You've asked a very difficult question. The triptans have, in general, a very good safety record. However, different people react differently to different triptans.

My maternal grandmother, and my mother, both died of Congestive Heart Failure. My father has had a heart attack. I use triptans, and I would not want to be without them. So far, I have no evidence of any cardiac problems, and I know I have a healthier lifestyle, in general, than my parents did at my age.

The decision about whether or not to use triptans is a decision you must reach in consultation with your own doctor, based on your medical history and the severity of your migraines. Your doctor should be willing to share his/her reasons for his/her recommendations with you.

This question might be a good one for our Ask the Clinician feature. You can submit a question for Ask the Clinician by clicking HERE.

Good luck in reaching a decision with your doctor on this important matter.

Hello!
Thank you for the reply I did talk to my doctor
about my concerns several times and had a heart work up
about ten years ago before they diagnosed my migraines.
Zomig has been a lifesaver for me. My doctor did inform me of the
risks involved, also since I have family history of stroke and high cholesterol.
That is part of the reason I am on Topamax again which I must
say I feel is helping the "vice grip" feeling on my head. As
my dose increases I hope it helps more and more. I was in denial
that I had migraines. I thought it would go away. After 12 years
I finally accepted it is a real disease. Not a psychological made up
illness as I was lead to believe. I was not a weak person. That is when I joined the website (after years of reading it!)What a relief and help it has been! All the info is great! Thanks for your time and congrats on 7 days without a migraine, wonderful!
Trish

Sorry 1 day

IS THAT MR. BILL?