Amitriptyline (brand name “Elavil”) is a medication that was initially approved by the FDA in 1961 for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Due to its three-ring chemical structure, it is formally classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Though not formally approved in the United States to treat conditions other than major depression, Amitriptyline is …
Sumatriptan (brand names “Imitrex”) is a synthetic medication that was initially approved in 1991 for the treatment of migraine and cluster headaches. Chemically, it is classified as a “triptan” or tryptamine-based agent and is identified as a structural analogue of various alkaloids such as bufotenine and DMT (dimethyltryptamine). When administered following the onset of a …
Fioricet is a brand name medication comprised of the following ingredients: butalbital (50 mg), acetaminophen (300 mg), and caffeine (40 mg). The combination of a barbiturate (butalbital), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (acetaminophen), and central nervous system stimulant (caffeine) – seem to act synergistically to alleviate various types of headaches. Medically, Fioricet is approved by the …