Severe migraine attacks are treated with triptans. The forms of administration of the active substances depend on the drug profile. A standard therapy does not exist. The rate of side effects is low. Triptans are contraindicated for patients with coronary, cerebral and peripheral vascular diseases. Under no circumstances are they to be combined with ergot alkaloids. Triptans are all the more effective, the earlier they are taken. For determining the optimal time point for taking the medication, the so-called triptan threshold is helpful. Triptans are not suitable for treating status migrainosus. Sumatriptan can be administered electively and in compliance with the contraindications for the emergency treatment.