A drug called telcagepant proved safe and effective in treating migraines and caused fewer side effects than the widely-used migraine drug zolmitriptan (Zomig), according to a study conducted by drug maker Merck & Co.)
Zolmitriptan and other triptans are effective but can cause a number of side effects, including dizziness, tingling and numbness of the skin, chest discomfort, and throat tightness. In addition, triptans cause blood vessel narrowing and aren't recommended for patients with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and certain migraine subtypes, according to a news release about the study.Telcagepant is from a different class, called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists. It's believed that brain concentrations of CGRP are elevated during a migraine. CGRP antagonists don't seem to have blood vessel narrowing properties and, therefore, may not carry the same cardiovascular-related risks as triptans.>>
"One potential benefit of the new CGRP receptor antagonist class of acute migraine treatments is the absence of vasoconstriction, a liability of the triptans, which may allow for the safe administration of telcagepant in patients with migraine with cardiovascular disease," the study authors wrote. "However, such patients were excluded from the present study because of the contraindication for zolmitriptan, and further studies are necessary to determine the safety of telcagepant in patients with cardiovascular disease. Additional studies are also necessary to assess the long-term efficacy and safety profile of telcagepant in patients treating more than one migraine attack."
(http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2008/11/24/hscout621664.html#)
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