Relpax (eletriptan hydrobromide)
Relpax is a drug used to treat migraine headaches. It is most commonly administered in tablet form.
One of the goals here at Freakishly Pale is to compile a list of drugs that can cause light sensitivity or photophobia (literally “fear of light.” In medical circles it tends to refer to excessive or painful light sensitivity) Occasionally you will see a post like this that lists a drug that can create or increase light sensitivity. We are in no way encouraging readers to refuse or stop taking this drugs. Many of these drugs have great benefits to patients. Our goal here is to make readers aware that these drugs can affect their sensitivity to light so that they can take the necessary precautions while on them. If photo-sensitivity becomes too great, you should always contact your doctor to discuss alternate treatment methods or procedures for minimizing the effects.
If you are aware of drugs that list light sensitivity, photosensitivity or photophobia as a side effect, please feel free to leave a comment. We will look into listed drugs and post those that we can find documentation on. If you feel that a drug might have such side effects, we recommend checking the side effects listed on sites such as RxList.
deb walton said,
April 2, 2008 at 2:20 pm
i’ve been using relpax since last year when my doctor sent me home with a few sample packs to help prevent the frequent migraines i’d been experiencing.
one of the things i noticed was a slight decrease in my light sensitivity. as long as I can remember i’ve always had to wear sunglasses because sunlight was uncomfortable and often contributed to headaches.
i don’t understand how relpax does this, or if it happens to anyone else likewise bothered with slight photophobia, but it is the only “side effect” i’ve noticed excect possibly higher blood pressure (not sure about this yet) and it has been very effective at reducing the frequency of my migraines, so i take it prophylactically. . . one medicine, two benifits.