A migraine refers to a chronic headache associated with a throbbing or pulsating pain, vomiting, nausea, irritability and fatigue. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that the exact cause for migraines is unknown but some migraine triggers include hormone fluctuations, bright lights, loud noises, caffeine and medications. A list of common prescription migraine medications exist to decrease these symptoms.
Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan, commonly sold as Imitrex, narrows blood vessels within the brain. This leads to a decrease in migraine symptoms. Drugs.com says that some of sumatriptan's less serious side effects include muscle pain, nausea, muscle pain, diarrhea, sneezing, a runny nose and dizziness. Some of sumatriptan's serious side effects include a seizure, a fast heart rate, confusion, speech problems, sweating and visual, speech or balance problems. It is important to call a doctor when sumatriptan leads to these effects. Suffering from high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease and epilepsy may require a decrease in sumatriptan's dose. This medication is a tablet or nasal spray given daily as needed or as prescribed.
Dihydroergotamine
Dihydroergotamine, typically sold as Migranal, belongs to a group of drugs known as ergot alkaloids. This medication also constricts the blood vessels within the brain so that migraine symptoms decrease. Drugs.com says that dihydroergotamine's less serious side effects include diarrhea, a headache, sweating and a tingly feeling under the skin. Some of dihydroergotamine's serious side effects include a fast or slow heart rate, leg weakness, chest pain and difficulty breathing. It is important to seek medical help when these symptoms develop. Suffering from breathing problems, liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure and ischemic bowel disease may require a decrease in dihydroergotamine's dose. This medication is an injection given daily or as prescribed.
Zolmitriptan
Zolmitriptan, commonly sold as Zomig, treats migraine symptoms. MedlinePlus indicates that zolmitriptan belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin receptor antagonists. It says that this medication decreases blood vessel swelling. Zolmitriptan's less serious side effects include a dry mouth, drowsiness, sweating, weakness and a burning or tingling feeling. Its serious side effects include bloody diarrhea, stomach pain, trouble swallowing, an irregular heartbeat and dizziness. It is important to phone a doctor when zolmitriptan leads to these effects. Taking such medications as ergotamine, eletriptan or naratriptan may require a decrease in zolmitriptan's dose. This medication is a tablet taken during a migraine attack.
