An abstract in Sleep abstract supplement "THE EFFECTS OF TRIPTANS ON RESPIRATORY DYNAMICS AND SLEEP ARCHITECTURE IN PATIENTS WHO SUFFER FROM MIGRAINE HEADACHES" found no changes in Polysomnography but did find there was a significant
finding of increased end-tidal CO2. These higher levels of CO2 may fit with the vascular theory of migraines.
On the other hand the high end-tidal CO2 values may be a significant risk factor when considering long term triptan use.
"We noted significant difference in sleep time spent with End-Tidal Co2 (ETCO2) higher than 45mmhg PLMD" ( 35.56/36.8 vs. 13.84/17.34)
Should we be concerned that there is an increasein CO2 and could it lea to long term difficulties? Maybe the higher CO@ is the therapeutic effect of triptans changing the autonomic breathing drive.
This will probably be the start of interesting research on migraine patients.
