Prepare for the Pharmacology IV – Headache Therapeutics Test. Review the therapeutic approaches, tackle multiple-choice questions with explanations, and boost your test-taking confidence. Ace your exam with precision!

Multiple Choice

What distinguishes gepants from triptans in terms of vascular effects?

Gepants work by blocking CGRP signaling rather than altering vascular tone themselves. CGRP is a potent vasodilator released during a migraine; by antagonizing the CGRP receptor, gepants prevent CGRP from promoting cranial vasodilation, so they do not trigger cranial vasoconstriction. In contrast, triptans activate serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptors on cranial blood vessels, causing direct vasoconstriction and also helping to reduce CGRP release. So the key vascular distinction is that gepants do not cause cranial vasoconstriction, whereas triptans do.

Gepants work by blocking CGRP signaling rather than altering vascular tone themselves. CGRP is a potent vasodilator released during a migraine; by antagonizing the CGRP receptor, gepants prevent CGRP from promoting cranial vasodilation, so they do not trigger cranial vasoconstriction. In contrast, triptans activate serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptors on cranial blood vessels, causing direct vasoconstriction and also helping to reduce CGRP release. So the key vascular distinction is that gepants do not cause cranial vasoconstriction, whereas triptans do.