Which agent is NOT used for cluster headache prophylaxis?

Which agent is NOT used for cluster headache prophylaxis?

• A. Verapamil
• B. Lithium
• C. Galcanezumab
• D. Sumatriptan

Answer: (D)

Cluster headache prevention relies on medicines that reduce how often attacks occur. Verapamil blocks calcium channels and is a standard preventive option. Lithium is used for difficult or refractory cases. Galcanezumab, a CGRP-targeting antibody, is approved for cluster headache prevention. Sumatriptan, by contrast, is used to abort an attack when it happens—rapid relief through vasoconstriction and inhibition of inflammatory signaling—but it does not prevent future attacks. Because the goal of prophylaxis is to reduce attack frequency with ongoing treatment, sumatriptan is not used for cluster headache prophylaxis.

Cluster headache prevention relies on medicines that reduce how often attacks occur. Verapamil blocks calcium channels and is a standard preventive option. Lithium is used for difficult or refractory cases. Galcanezumab, a CGRP-targeting antibody, is approved for cluster headache prevention. Sumatriptan, by contrast, is used to abort an attack when it happens—rapid relief through vasoconstriction and inhibition of inflammatory signaling—but it does not prevent future attacks. Because the goal of prophylaxis is to reduce attack frequency with ongoing treatment, sumatriptan is not used for cluster headache prophylaxis.