Triptan treatment is associated with a higher number of red wine-induced migraine episodes: An exploratory questionnaire-based survey

Aim: Diet, including foods and beverages, affects migraine. Conversely, the influence of migraine therapies on dietary habits is largely unknown. This study aimed at investigating the effects of triptan intake on foods and drinks consumed by adults with migraine with and/or without aura.

Methods: An exploratory questionnaire-based survey took place online between November 2022 and June 2023. Participants were recruited through advertisements shared on social media accounts (e.g., Facebook and Instagram) and seasonal newsletters of three Danish patient associations. In addition, posters and flyers in headache and pain centers at Danish hospitals and private neurological, pain, and physiotherapeutic clinics were utilized.

Results: A total of 314 adults with migraine with and/or without aura completed the survey. Among the respondents, 236 individuals (75.2%) regularly used triptans to treat their migraines. Compared with non-triptan users, individuals using triptans were characterized by significantly more foods and/or drinks triggering migraine (74.2% vs. 56.4%, p = 0.005). Alcoholic beverages and most specifically red wine were overreported as migraine triggers by triptan users (48.3% vs. 21.8%, p < 0.001). In the week preceding the survey, red wine was significantly less consumed by triptan users than non-triptan users (92.4% vs. 76.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Patients who regularly consume triptans report red wine most frequently as a migraine trigger. Triptan users are characterized by a lower consumption of red wine than non-triptan users, suggesting that a regular triptan intake may promote an increased sensitivity to red wine-induced migraine.