A migraine refers to a painful headache associated with throbbing or pulsating pain that can occur for about 4 to 72 hours. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that additional migraine symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, fatigue and visual disturbances. Sometimes, loud noises, skipping meals, crying and caffeine can trigger migraines. Many medications exist that can alleviate symptoms for migraine sufferers.
Eletriptan
Eletriptan, commonly sold as Relpax, is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin receptor agonists. This medication specifically prevents and reduces migraine frequency, says MedlinePlus. It decreases the swelling in the brain's blood vessels. Some of eletriptan's less concerning side effects include heartburn, weakness, bloody diarrhea, stomach pain and trouble breathing. Its serious side effects include faintness, dizziness, severe stomach pain, trouble breathing, weakness and bloody diarrhea. Notify a doctor when eletriptan leads to these effects. Taking such medications as escitalopram, verapamil, venlafaxine, zafirkulast or delavirdin may require a decrease in eletriptan's dose. This medication is a tablet taken daily as needed.
Ergotamine
Ergotamine, commonly sold as Ergomar, belongs to a category of drugs known as ergot alkaloids. It also constricts the blood vessels in the brain to decrease migraine symptoms. Drugs.com says vomiting, nausea, dizziness and weakness are just some of its less concerning side effects. Ergotamine's serious side effects include a fast or slow heart rate, leg weakness, decreased urination, confusion and severe back pain. Phone a doctor when ergotamine leads to these effects. Avoid taking such medications as diclofenac, conivaptan, isoniazid or clarithromycin while taking ergotamine. Ergotamine is a tablet taken as needed for migraine headaches.
Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, and Isometheptene
Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, and Isometheptene, commonly sold as Midrin, is a combination medication that treats migraine. Drugs.com says that acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. Isometheptene leads to blood vessel constriction in the brain while dichloralphenazone is a sedative. This medication's less concerning side effects include mood changes, drowsiness, dizziness and nausea. Its serious side effects include a fast or irregular heartbeat, yellowing of the eyes or skin, fever and a poor appetite. Call a doctor when acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone and isometheptene lead to these effects. Suffering from coronary artery disease, kidney or liver disease, depression and high blood pressure may require a decrease in this drug's dose. This medication is a tablet taken daily as needed.
