Triptans and migraines

So I get fewer migraines than ever (see my other post), but still get a migraine or two a week; I've taken maxalt for years now, and, while it uised to be super-effective, about half the time my migraine goes away, the other half it immediately gets much, much worse. I understand this is relatively common over time; Any advice? I assume I should try other triptans, anything I should look at  that works in these cases, or is very different than maxalt, or is new and awesome? Thanks!

Have you tried Imitrex? I've found that one to be helpful and cheap.

There aren't any new Triptans. The biggest change in them is that more are generic now. I'd start with generic ones (or whichever ones have a lower copay with your insurance...generic isn't always a lower co-pay than a similar brand-only med). You may also want to look at what quantity is allowed of each per refill. Sometimes its 4, sometimes 9, which is a big difference.

My doctor wrote mine for 6 yet my insurance would allow 9, but I haven't got around to getting it changed yet. Knowing what will be allowed when you get the script written is helpful. The pharmacy can decrease the quantity if it is over the allowable, but can't increase it up to the allowable.

I've never found Maxalt helpful but do like Imitrex, Relpax, and Amerge. The Amerge is generic and I seem to have the least side effects (namely throat tightening), so that is my current go-to Triptan. It may take some experimentation, but I hope you find a Triptan which is more reliable. Best wishes.

I've had the same experience with Maxalt. It worked pretty well for years; sometimes, it worked miraculously. But the more often I used it, the less it worked. Then the generic version came out, and I had to start using that since my insurance won't pay for the brand name. The generic version is completely unreliable. It may take the edge off for a few hours but then the migraine comes back full force for another day or two.

I have been using the Cefaly headband (see my previous posts) since late March, so I have had to take Maxalt only twice since then.

Even after twenty years, I still find Imitrex very effective (the only thing that always works for me).

I had a hard time with Maxalt and Imitrex but am doing really well with the generic Sumatriptan. My insurance allows 9 per month. I refill at the earliest allowable time (usually out of desperation) and I think I'm actually getting 9 tablets every 3 weeks.

Actually Sumatriptan and Imitrex are the same thing. Sumatriptan is a generic name of Imitrex, so this is rather puzzling EcoMIgraine.
It is, however, possible that different manufacturers use slightly different manufacturing process and  therefore  it is possible that the  same medicine can have a different effect, depending on who produced it.

My issues with Imitrex were with the side effects. They both worked effectively as pain meds. I agree that manuf's use slightly different procedures, and I am super sensitive to medications. I think the Sumatriptan might be slightly less potent than the Imitrex and that might be why it has less severe side effects for me?? The reason I suspect that is - I do have migraine episodes that require a follow-up dose of Suma, and I didn't experience that with Imitrex. Though it could also be that my migraines have gotten worse over the last several years. Who knows. With the Maxalt, I also had trouble with side effects, and I was using the melt-away tabs which came it this disgusting mint flavor. After using them for a while I started getting violently nauseous at the taste of those tabs. My stomach is turning just thinking about it.

When Imitrex and Maxalt stopped working for me the only triptan that would work is Relpax, but it is very expensive and there is no generic. I hope you find some relief.

Torrey