Which drug class is indicated for the acute treatment of migraines?

Triptans are a specific class of medications designed for the acute treatment of migraines. They work by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT_1B and 5-HT_1D receptors, leading to vasoconstriction of cranial blood vessels and inhibition of pro-inflammatory neuropeptide release. This dual action effectively alleviates migraine symptoms, including headache and associated nausea.

In contrast, while NSAIDs can be used for their analgesic properties and might provide relief for some individuals experiencing mild to moderate migraines, they are not specifically indicated for acute migraine treatment as their mechanism does not specifically target the pathophysiology of migraines.

Beta-blockers and antidepressants are often utilized as preventative treatments rather than for acute management. Beta-blockers can help lessen the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, while certain antidepressants may assist in chronic migraine prevention through their modulation of pain pathways, but neither addresses acute symptoms directly during a migraine attack. Triptans remain the first line of treatment for immediate relief of migraine symptoms due to their targeted mechanism and effectiveness.