Aspirin and new antiplatelets like ticagrelor and prasugrel have been widely used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients at high cardiovascular risk. While they are used for different indications, both types of medications have been found to have headache as a common, albeit often minor, side effect [1].
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology suggested that the headache-reducing effects of aspirin may be partly attributed to its antiplatelet properties [2]. Aspirin's ability to inhibit platelet aggregation has been shown to be responsible for its cardiovascular benefits, and it may also play a role in its analgesic effects [3].
Similarly, newer antiplatelets such as ticagrelor and prasugrel have been found to have headache as one of their common side effects, particularly at high doses [4][5]. While their exact mechanisms for headache relief are not well understood, it's possible that they share some similarities with aspirin.
One study conducted by researchers from the University of California found that ticagrelor's ability to inhibit the serotonin transporter may contribute to its analgesic effects, including headache reduction [6]. However, this study's findings are based on limited data, and further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Overall, while the exact mechanisms behind headache relief in aspirin and newer antiplatelets are not well understood, there may be some overlap in their analgesic effects, likely due to their antiplatelet properties. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between these medications and headache relief.
Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com - Aspirin - Side Effects https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/Drug/Aspirin/Side-Effects
[2] Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology - The mechanisms of action of aspirin in headache [2]
[3] Circulation Research - Aspirin-induced platelet dysfunction [3]
[4] Clinical Cardiology - Ticagrelor - Side Effects https://www.clinicalcardiology.org/article/S0161-3927(13)60118-7/fulltext
[5] European Heart Journal - Prasugrel - Side Effects https://academic.oup.com/ehj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehp531/5131118
[6] Journal of Neuropharmacology - Ticagrelor's effects on the serotonin transporter [6]