From the FDA Drug Label
The safety of treating an average of more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established. The maximum daily dose is 200 mg in a 24-hour period.
- Maximum frequency: A second dose may be administered at least 2 hours after the first dose.
- Maximum monthly use: The safety of treating an average of more than 4 headaches in a 30-day period has not been established 1.
From the Research
Triptans should not be used more than 10 days per month to avoid medication overuse headache, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 2.
Key Considerations
- The use of triptans should be limited to a maximum of 10 days per month to prevent medication-overuse headache, as stated in the 2017 study published in Acta neurologica Taiwanica 2.
- Most specific triptan medications should not be taken more than twice in a 24-hour period, with at least 2 hours between doses.
- The exact dosing varies by specific triptan, and patients should consult their healthcare provider for guidance on proper usage.
Important Safety Information
- Triptans can cause rebound headaches if used too frequently, leading to dependence and worsening of migraine symptoms.
- People with certain cardiovascular conditions, uncontrolled hypertension, or those taking MAO inhibitors should use triptans with caution or avoid them altogether, as noted in the 2001 study published in The Medical clinics of North America 3.
Preventive Measures
- If patients find themselves needing triptans more frequently than recommended, they should consult their healthcare provider about preventive migraine treatments to reduce the risk of medication overuse headache.
- Alternative treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or combination therapy, may be considered for patients who experience frequent migraine attacks, as discussed in the 2015 study published in Headache 4.