Migraine headaches are extremely painful and debilitating headaches that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. For those who experience migraines, certain factors may bring on an attack, such as stress, lack of sleep, weather and hormones. Keeping a diary is a recommended practice for those with regular migraines and can help identify triggers. Identifying the triggers may help eliminate headaches, though some factors cannot be avoided. In these cases, finding the right medication will be beneficial.
Aspirin
For individuals who experience mild migraine headaches, an over-the-counter medication may be appropriate. Aspirin, an old remedy that was introduced in1899, is typically used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and anti-pyretic effects. For migraine sufferers it can be effective if taken at the first sign of an attack, before more extreme symptoms, such as vomiting, are present. This medication may not work for all migraine sufferers and should always be taken with food, as it is irritating to the stomach.
Non-Prescription Medications
Other non-prescription medications that are formulated for migraine relief, such as Excedrin Migraine and Advil Migraine, offer relief with caffeine. Caffeine is thought to work by making the medications more effective, helping the body to absorb them and bringing faster relief. When taking a medication with caffeine it is important to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and soda, and limit the intake of chocolate. Overconsumption of caffeine can make the heart race and can be dangerous. In addition, caffeine ( in large doses) can cause irritability, insomnia and anxiety.
Narcotics
Narcotic medications are sometimes used to treat migraine headaches, but because these medications can be addicting they are typically not used for initial treatment. They are occasionally used for patients whose headaches fail to respond to over-the-counter medications and cannot use other commonly prescribed medications for migraines due to the risks that are posed. In addition, some research (led by Dr. Richard Lipton, professor of neurology at the Einstein College of Medicine) indicates that the overuse of some narcotics, such as oxycodone and acetaminophen with codeine can lead to rebound headaches.
Triptans
Triptans, such as Imitrex, Maxalt and Amerge, offer relief to about 60 percent of migraine sufferers (according to consumer health reports) and can be effective in about 2 hours. In addition, other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound may be eliminated with these medications. Triptans work by constricting blood vessels in the brain that may be inflamed, causing a migraine. Though these medications may be the answer for many migraine sufferers, they cannot be taken by those with high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions, due to the risk they pose to the heart.
Preventive Medications
Preventive medications are drugs that are taken on a regular basis to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly half of those who get migraines could benefit from preventative medication, yet only about 1 in 10 people take it. These medications may be effective for those who experience two or more debilitating attacks per month. Medications that are typically taken for epilepsy (anti-seizure drugs) are also preventive medications for migraine sufferers. Divalproex (Depakote) and topiramate (Topamax) are examples of drugs that can reduce the frequency of migraines.
