efficacies in individual patients. The pharmacokinetics and potencies of the triptans differ significantly and are set forth in Table 16–6. Most adverse effects are mild and include altered sensations (tingling, warmth, etc), dizziness, muscle weakness, neck pain, and for parenteral sumatriptan, injection site reactions. Chest discomfort occurs in 1–5% of patients, and chest pain has been reported, probably because of the ability of these drugs to cause coronary vasospasm. They are therefore contraindicated in patients with coronary artery disease and in patients with angina. Another disadvantage is the fact that their duration of effect (especially that of almotriptan, sumatriptan, rizatriptan, and zolmitriptan, Table 16–6) is often shorter than the duration of the headache. As a result, several doses may be required during a prolonged migraine attack, but their adverse effects limit the maximum safe daily dosage. Naratriptan and eletriptan are contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment or peripheral vascular syndromes; frovatriptan in patients with peripheral vascular disease; and zolmitriptan in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. The brand name triptans are extremely expensive; thus generic sumatriptan should be used whenever possible.
Propranolol, amitriptyline, and some calcium channel blockers have been found to be effective for the prophylaxis of migraine in some patients. They are of no value in the treatment of acute migraine. The anticonvulsants valproic acid and topiramate (see Chapter 24) have also been found to have some prophylactic efficacy in migraine. Flunarizine, a calcium channel blocker used in Europe, has been reported in clinical trials to effectively reduce the severity of the acute attack and to prevent recurrences. Verapamil appears to have modest efficacy as prophylaxis against migraine.
Flibanserin, a 5-HT1a agonist and 5-HT2A antagonist, is approved for treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. Due to inadequate evidence of efficacy, it was refused approval in 2010 and 2013. The clinical trials that led to its approval in 2015 showed a very small but significant increase in satisfactory sexual desire and activities over several weeks of daily oral administration. Consumption of alcohol is contraindicated due to increased risk of severe hypotension. Other adverse effects include syncope, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and somnolence.
Cisapride, a 5-HT4 agonist, was used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and motility disorders. Because of toxicity, it is now available only for compassionate use in the USA. Tegaserod, a 5-HT4 partial agonist, is used for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (see Chapter 62).
Compounds such as fluoxetine and other SSRIs, which modulate serotonergic transmission by blocking reuptake of the transmitter, are among the most widely prescribed drugs for the management of depression and similar disorders. These drugs are discussed in Chapter 30.
The actions of serotonin, like those of histamine, can be antagonized in several ways. Such antagonism is clearly desirable in those rare patients who have carcinoid tumor and may also be valuable in certain other conditions.
Serotonin synthesis can be inhibited by p-chlorophenylalanine and p-chloroamphetamine. However, these agents are too toxic for general use. Storage of serotonin can be inhibited by the use of reserpine, but the sympatholytic effects of this drug (see Chapter 11) and the high levels of circulating serotonin that result from release prevent its use in carcinoid. Therefore, receptor blockade is the major therapeutic approach to conditions of serotonin excess.