How It Works | From the Labs

migraine Throbbing pain, nausea, and intense sensitivity to light and sound: people who suffer from migraine headaches are all too familiar with these symptoms. Frova (frovatriptan succinate) is a medicine approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without "aura" in adults.

How It Works

Frovatriptan belongs to the triptan class of drugs. Other triptans are currently used to treat migraine headaches as well. However, frovatriptan has a 26 hours half-life which is much longer than the other triptans. This means that frovatriptan stays in the bloodstream longer than the other drugs. However, this does not mean that frovatriptan works better than other triptans.

The theory regarding the origins of a migraine headache has been debated for years. One explanation is neurovascular theory, which suggests that headache is a result of activation of the trigeminal nerve, one of the cranial nerves. Some experts believe that the headache is related to sudden widening of blood vessels. Frovatriptan may work by constricting the blood vessels in the brain that cause the migraine headache. However, the precise mechanism of action is not established.

Frovatriptan tablets should be taken with fluids as soon as a migraine hits. If the headache comes back after initial relief, after two hours, a second dose can be taken. Do not take more than three tablets in 24 hours.

From the Labs

Five clinical trials including more than 4,000 volunteers examined the effects of frovatriptan on migraine pain. In all five studies, the percentage of people reporting some relief of headache pain within two hours of taking the medication was greater in the group receiving 2.5 mg of frovatriptan than in the group given the placebo. In addition, less than half of people taking frovatriptan needed additional medication (such as aspirin) to help stop the pain.

Frovatriptan appears to have a low incidence of side effects. These may include:

  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Tingling or prickling sensation
  • Flushing
  • Dry mouth
  • Hot or cold sensation
  • Chest pain
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Skeletal pain

People with certain conditions should not take frovatriptan; these include people with:

Serotonin Syndrome

A life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome can happen when triptans, such as frovatriptan, and medicines used to treat depression called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used together. If you are taking SSRIs, make sure you let your physician know.

Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include the following:

  • Restlessness
  • Hallucinations
  • Loss of coordination
  • Fast heart beat
  • Increased body temperature
  • Fast changes in blood pressure
  • Overactive reflexes
  • Diarrhea
  • Coma
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting