A list of drugs utilized in the treatment of migrane headaches is provided in
the Appendix. Detailed tables show doses, recommendations, expectations, side
effects, contraindications, and more; available on the book’s Web site (see URL
in Appendix).
CNS Depressants
Central nervous system depressants are medications that suppress the transmis-
sion of information throughout the central nervous system. There are seven
broad classifications of central nervous system depressants. These are sedative-
hypnotics, general and local anesthetics (discussed later in this chapter), anal-
gesics, narcotic analgesics (Chapter 16), anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and
antidepressants (discussed later in this chapter)
SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS
Sedative-hypnotics are commonly referred to as sedatives and are the mildest
form of central nervous system depressant. Sedative-hypnotics are given in low
CHAPTER 15 Nervous System Drugs^273
Other Triptans
Almotriptan 6.25–12.5 mg and repeat one dose if necessary;
use with greater caution in patients with liver and
kidney impairment; less side effects reported
Eletriptan 20–40 mg tablets repeated in 2 hours; high
drug-drug interaction
Frovatriptan 2.5 mg at onset and may repeat after 2 hours; has
longest half life with a slow onset of action
Naratriptan 1–2.5 mg tablets and repeat after 4 hours; onset of
action is slower but has the second longest half life;
has less side effects
Rizatriptan 5–10 mg repeated in two hours; fast acting
Zolmitriptan 2.5–5 mg dose with 2 hour repeats available PO and
nasal spray; increased risk of drug-drug interaction.