Naratriptan in the prophylaxis of cluster headache.
A 36-year-old man with cluster headache refractory to trials of standard prophylactic treatment and only partially responsive to parenteral sumatriptan and inhaled oxygen was admitted to an inpatient pain unit. The diagnosis of cluster headache was confirmed by direct observation of a typical attack. Despite efforts at prophylaxis, the patient continued to experience three to four severe headaches per day. Attempts to control his headaches with scheduled parenteral dihydroergotamine were successful, but headaches recurred when the medication was tapered, and continuous or intermittent use of parenteral dihydroergotamine was not felt to be a practical option for the patient. Naratriptan 2.5 mg twice daily completely abolished his headaches, which recurred when the medication was discontinued. No electrocardiographic or laboratory abnormalities were observed during treatment, and the patient reported no side effects.
Loder
Elizabeth
E
Harvard Medical School , Boston, Mass 02114, USA.
D000328:Adult; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010880:Piperidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011315:Preventive Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014363:Tryptamines
D007211:Indoles; D010880:Piperidines; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D014363:Tryptamines; C106783:naratriptan