Millions of people suffer from migraine headaches every day. Most of them will tell you that when in the throes of a migraine, they will go to any lengths to make it stop. The trademark debilitating pain that accompanies these headaches can continue for hours---sometimes days---before subsiding. It often forces sufferers to run for cover in a dark, tranquil spot. A cure has yet to be found for migraine headaches. There are medications, however, that effectively lower the number of headaches and the degree of pain a person experiences.
All migraines are not the same. Nor is the way they are treated. Sufferers must first identify whether they are experiencing a "classic" or "common" migraine. "Classic" migraines are characterized by an "aura" that occurs before the actual headache. These auras can contain flashing lights, erratic lines or temporary blindness. Pain may be restricted to one side of the face (head), may last a few days and may involve the eyes, forehead, temple, ears and jawline. A "common" migraine, on the other hand, produces no aura. Its victims are, however, prone to mood changes, being disoriented and fatigued, feeling queasy and retaining water.
There are two categories of migraine medications: pain relieving and preventative. Pain relievers are consumed once symptoms have started. Preventive drugs generally are taken daily to regulate the headache's pain level, how often they occur and how long the headache lasts. Pain-relieving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that include ibuprofen or aspirin, effectively treat a "mild" migraine headache. If taken for extended periods of time, however, these medications can cause ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and "rebound" headaches.
Other pain relievers known as triptans are recommended for severe migraines since they also help soothe the pain, upset stomach and light and sound sensitivity that comes with the headaches. Sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt) and eletriptan (Relpax) are most commonly prescribed. Ergotamine (Cafergot or Migergot) also can be used. While cheaper than triptans, these drugs work best on individuals who experience pain for more than two days.
Drugs that are used to treat other medical conditions also are proven to be effective for migraine sufferers. Physicians may prescribe the anti-seizure drugs Topamax or Depakote; beta- and calcium channel-blockers (like Inderal or Cadrizem) used for high blood pressure or an irregular heart beat; anti-depressants Norpramin and Elavil; and cyproheptadine, an antihistamine that influences serotonin activity. In some cases, botulinum toxin Type A (botox) injections may be administered in the sufferers' forehead and neck muscles to relieve constant headaches.
Tell your doctor about any allergies you have and any other medications---whether prescription or over the counter---you are using before taking any prescribed migraine drugs. Ask about possible side effects and drug interactions.
