Comment from Isaac Esterman
AnonymousSupportIndividual
Summary: A private individual who suffers from cluster headaches argues in favor of making triptans available over the counter. The commenter notes that triptans are effective for severe pain with minimal side effects and low potential for abuse, suggesting that OTC availability would help those without easy access to prescriptions.
I have suffered from cluster headaches for about 35 years ago - for the first 10-15 of those years, they were undiagnosed or under-diagnosed. Triptans are a class of medication specifically for migraine and cluster headaches. They offer relief from intense pain with minimal side affects and no addictive properties. For treating certain headaches they are far more effective then over the counter pain relievers. I would rather not have to take them at all but I am lucky that I am able to acquire generic oral triptans relatively easily and that I have easy access to a doctor who is familiar with the medication and happy to write a prescription. For someone with my headaches who doesn't have that same access, they may be needlessly suffering.
I am writing to support making triptans available "over the counter" - I see minimal drawback nor chance for abusive use, and any pharmacist could consel a buyer if needed on the proper administration.