Migraines are very severe headaches that lead to nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound as well as incapacitating pain. Although doctors do not understand what causes migraines, the changes in blood vessels in the face and skull are thought to be linked to the onset of these headaches. There are a number of different ways in which migraine headaches can be treated.
Non-Prescription Medications
Pain relievers, also known as analgesics, can be purchased without a prescription for the treatment of migraine headaches, Family Doctor explains. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are commonly used to relieve migraine pain. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. Acetaminophen can also be used to treat migraines and is sometimes combined with ibuprofen and caffeine. One brand name for this combination tablet is Excedrin Migraine.
Prescription Medications
There are two main kinds of prescription medications that can be used to treat migraines, the American Headache Society explains. Ergotamine and related chemicals can be used to treat migraines and can be taken as a tablet, nasal spray, injection or as a rectal suppository. Although medications in the ergotamine family are useful for treating migraines, they can also lead to nausea. Triptans, the other class of prescription migraine medication, can also be taken as a nasal spray, a tablet or as an injection that is placed under the skin.
Rebound Headaches
One danger of using certain medications for the treatment of migraines is that the drugs can trigger a headache as they wear off. Migraine treatments that use triptans, ergotamine or caffeine are most likely to cause this rebound effect, as well as some decongestants and narcotic pain relievers. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can also lead to rebound headaches, Intelihealth explains, but are less likely to do so. Rebound headaches are especially a concern for patients who find themselves taking higher doses of their migraine medications in order to obtain relief.
Preventative Medications
Another approach to treating migraines is to take certain medications daily in an attempt to prevent the headaches. Certain blood pressure medications, such as calcium channel blockers and beta blockers, can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches, the "Journal of the American Medical Association" reports. Similar effects have been observed with the antidepressant medications venlafaxine and amitriptyline, as well as some medications normally used for epilepsy.
Trigger Avoidance
Patients can also treat their migraine headaches by avoiding certain foods or activities that may trigger their migraines. Caffeine, chocolate and red wine are all associated with migraines. In addition, consumption of foods high in nitrates, tyramine, monosodium glutamate and the artificial sweetener aspartame may result in migraines. Anxiety, stress, changes in weather and too little or too much sleep can also trigger migraines.
