Areas covered in this review: The review summarises the results of association studies between polymorphisms in genes involved in the kinetics and dynamics of triptans, and clinical response to them in migraineurs. What the reader will gain: A summary of data available at present from genetic studies in the field of triptan therapy in migraine, and a picture of the difficulties facing research into the pharmacogenomics of triptans. Take home message: Pharmacogenomic studies of triptans suggest that some genetic determinants influence drug response, but the complexity of the field calls for application of a systematic approach to genetic association studies, allowing identification of a therapy response prediction panel with adequate predictive power.