Can triptans cause rebound headaches? i have been having daily unilateral headaches for over a week. can i take triptans when pain unbearable?

Triptans & others: As a rule of thumb...no abortive medication for migraine headaches (such as triptans) should be taken more than twice in 24 hrs. (meaning 2 doses) or more than 4 times in 7 days (4 doses). And yes, they can and do cause rebound headaches. Keeping track of your headaches & medication doses as you decrease their use may show you how this phenomenon works. See a headache specialist for more details.