Migraines are severe headaches lasting for hours or days that are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting or other sensory symptoms, such as ringing in the ears. Medications used to treat this condition help reduce painful symptoms and prevent migraines from occurring, or at least reduce the recurrence rate. Depending on the severity and frequency of migraine attacks, different types of medication may be needed.
Non-Prescription Medications
These medications are available over the counter at any local pharmacy and are meant only to relieve immediate migraine pain. They do not work toward preventing migraine attacks. For severe attacks, stronger prescription medications may be necessary.
According to FamilyDoctor.org, these non-prescription medications can include aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Aspirin and caffeine combinations, such as Excedrin Migraine, are also recommended. Other medications recommended by pharmacists include naproxen (such as Aleve) and ketoprofen (such as Orudis KT). These are taken at the onset of migraine pain symptoms.
Prescription Pain Medications
If the pain is more severe, prescription medication may be suggested. These medications also treat only immediate pain symptoms and do not prevent migraines from occurring. FamilyDoctor.org says that ergotamine can be used on its own, or with other medications. Dihydroergotamine, a medicine related to ergotamine, can also be used and may be beneficial.
A doctor may suggest other prescription medications, such as naratriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, zolmitriptan, frovatriptan and eletriptan. These "triptans" are made to treat migraines, and they act to bind the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. Although they help relieve attacks when they are happening, they do little to prevent future attacks. They also do little to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. If painful symptoms persist, then stronger medicine may be prescribed. These are usually narcotics or barbiturates. These medications may be habit-forming and should be used cautiously.
Preventive Medications
If painful migraine symptoms occur more than twice monthly, or if the symptoms get in the way of daily life, migraine prevention medicine may be prescribed. This can include medications such as propranolol, timolol, divalproex or even certain types of antidepressants. The medication propranolol, with brand names Inderal and Inderal LA, is used as a beta-adrenergic blocking agent and can prevent migraine headaches.
According to Jerry W. Swanson, M.D., at the Mayo Clinic, antidepressants help prevent migraines. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as the medication amitriptyline, are highly effective. Other types of antidepressants do not work as well to prevent migraines. However, tricyclic antidepressants probably work on the levels of serotonin in the brain.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Antidepressants for Migraine
- Family Doctor: Migraine Headaches - Ways to Deal With the Pain
- "Archives of Neurology"; Efficacy and Safety of Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Caffeine in Alleviating Migraine Headache Pain; Richard B. Lipton, M.D., et.al.; February 1998
- Mayo Clinic: Migraine Description
