Use and misuse of triptans in France: data from the GRIM2000 population survey

Abstract

The extent and nature of triptan use for headache relief has been evaluated in a large epidemiological survey in the French general population. Over 25 000 individuals were screened for headache and for triptan use. Of this sample, 290 triptan users were identified from whom extensive data on headache characteristics and healthcare resource consumption were obtained. The use of triptans is relatively infrequent, 0.2% in the general population, with only 7.5% of migraine sufferers using these drugs. The majority of triptan users were female (80%) and presented headache characteristics typical of migraine (80%). The remaining 20% of subjects were thus using triptans for headache types in which the utility of these drugs has not been demonstrated. Among migraineurs, triptan consumers reported more frequent and severe headaches than non-consumers, and reported a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting. The principal determinant of triptan prescription was consultation with a general practitioner (GP), which may itself have been triggered by the severity of the headaches. GPs, rather than specialists, are the primary prescribers of triptans in France.