Frova® is a prescription drug used as a migraine headache treatment. A migraine medicine like Frova® is considered a selective serotonin receptor agonist, or triptan. This migraine medicine provides relief from the symptoms of migraine headaches, but does not prevent them. There are possible side effects to this drug and a patient should divulge to his or her doctor certain preexisting conditions prior to the prescribing of the medication.
A triptan like Frova® works by altering the bodily chemical known as serotonin. Serotonin narrows blood vessels in the brain. By tapering those blood vessels, certain pain pathways are blocked and the patient is given relief from the migraine headache. Frova® also helps relieve other symptoms associated with migraine headaches such as noise sensitivity and nausea.
Due to the fact that triptans relieve the symptoms of migraines and not the condition, Frova® should be consumed at the first sign of a migraine. The earlier the medication is taken during a migraine, the greater efficacy it will have. Also, certain lifestyle choices may bring about migraine headaches and reduce the utility of the medication. Stress, alcohol, and certain fatty foods may elicit such headaches.
A patient may experience faster relief if he or she takes Frova® on an empty stomach. Patients are advised to wait two hours for relief before taking a second dose of the medication. Daily dosages should not exceed three Frova® tablets. Also, having to take Frova® several times in a given month may be a sign of a worsening underlying condition; a doctor should be consulted in this situation.
People who are taking other medications containing triptan should refrain from using Frova®. When used in conjunction with other triptans, this medication can lead to a condition known as serotonin syndrome. On rare occasions, certain vitamins may counteract the medication. Also, patients with high blood pressure, chest pains, or circulation issues should divulge this information to a physician because the medication may cause such conditions to worsen or interfere with medicines prescribed to treat those ailments.
Side effects are rare, however people taking Frova® for the first time may experience nausea, hot flashes, and joint pain. Drowsiness may also be experienced while taking this medicine and people are advised to avoid operating motor vehicles or heavy machinery while on this drug. Pain in the chest, blood in the stool, and erratic heartbeats may be a sign of a more serious reaction to the medication. If symptoms persist, a doctor should be consulted.
