One major class of migraine medications, called triptans, are believed to work by mimicking serotonin in the body, effectively binding with the serotonin receptors of the blood vessels and sensory nerves feeding the brain which can calm the symptoms of a migraine headache. However, this effect is short-lived, as this class of mediation – which includes drugs like Imitrex/sumatriptan, Maxalt/rizatritan, Amerge/naratriptan, Zomig/zolmitriptan and Axert/almotriptan – only tricks the brain into thinking there is more serotonin than there actually is for a short period of time, setting a person up for rebound headaches and/or other migraines in the future.

The real solution to eliminating migraine headaches is to provide the body with the proper blend of amino acids and cofactors to optimize neurotransmitter function. Doing so eliminates the neurotransmitter imbalance(s) that can cause migraines, providing an effective alternative to triptan medications.

This brings up an interesting question on whether amino acids can cause headaches/migraines to begin with. It is true that neurotransmitter imbalance(s) can cause migraines/headaches (as well as a whole host of other disorders); it is also true that taking amino acids in the improper proportions can cause or exacerbate neurotransmitter imbalance(s), so it is conceivable that amino acids can cause migraines/headaches if taken improperly. This is one of the reasons why working with a health care provider trained in the proper use of amino acid therapy is so important – so you can achieve the exact-right blend of amino acids and cofactors needed to achieve proper neurotransmitter function as quickly, and as safely as possible.