Frovatriptan

What is Frovatriptan?

Frovatriptan is a generic tablet treatment for migraines – severe headaches that can cause nausea and oversensitivity to light and sound. It’s a symptom reliever rather than preventer, meaning that you should only take it when you experience symptoms (as opposed to a scheduled basis in order to prevent them or reduce their frequency).

Frovatriptan belongs to a class of medicines known as Triptans, which are formulated specifically to help with migraine headaches. They aren’t suitable, and won’t work, for other types of headache or pain. If you’re not sure whether you suffer from migraines or a different type of headache then speak with our clinician for advice.

How does Frovatriptan work?

The exact cause of migraines isn’t precisely known, but they’re thought to be ‘triggered’ by specific things, which can include stress, tiredness, starting your period, or certain foods and drinks. Once triggered, abnormal brain activity then temporarily changes the nerves, blood vessels and chemicals in your brain.^[1]

Triptans like Frovatriptan work by stimulating your serotonin receptors in the brain, which lowers your painful symptoms, as well as contracting the blood vessels surrounding your brain to stop the transmission of pain signals.

What doses of Frovatriptan are there?

Frovatriptan is only available in a 2.5mg dose. It’s a single dose treatment, of which you should only take one tablet at a time. If Frovatriptan isn’t working at this dose to help your symptoms, speak with our clinician – you might need to try a different treatment.

How to take Frovatriptan

You should always follow the advice of our clinician when taking Frovatriptan. The recommended dose for adults is one tablet at the onset of symptoms. If symptoms don’t ease, or if they reappear, you should make sure you wait at least two hours before taking another tablet. Don’t exceed two tablets (5mg) in a 24 hour period.

To take Frovatriptan, simply swallow the tablet whole with water. You can take it either with food or on an empty stomach.

How long does it take Frovatriptan to work?

You should start to feel the benefits from Frovatriptan between two and four hours after taking it, but this can vary from person to person. It might take less time to take effect if you take it on an empty stomach.

This is slower-acting than most other triptans, but it lasts in the body for much longer – which might be useful for you if you find that your symptoms regularly recur in the same day.^[1]

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Frovatriptan?

If you accidentally take too much Frovatriptan, seek medical advice straight away.

As it’s a treatment that you only take when you have symptoms, you won’t have to worry about forgetting a dose.