Several types of drugs are available for stopping migraine headaches once they have started. However, if someone does not respond to these medications or has migraines more than twice per month, preventive medications may be recommended. Several types of prescription medication can prevent these headaches from occurring and improve quality of life for people with frequent migraines.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers such as atenolol, timolol, metoprolol and propranolol can be used to prevent migraine headaches. According to The National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain, these drugs are 60 to 80 percent effective at reducing migraine attacks by 50 percent. Beta blockers are the most commonly used migraine prevention drugs. While it is not completely understood how this type of drug prevents migraines, it is thought to be related to how beta blockers affect the blood vessels in the brain.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines can be used to prevent migraine headaches, especially in children. These drugs are particularly effective at treating migraines that cause frequent vomiting. One benefit of using antihistamines in children is that they are generally safe and tolerated well. Because this type of drug comes in liquid form, it can also be given to very small children that cannot take pills. According to Dr. Robert Rust from the University of Virginia Health System, one common problem with using antihistamines to prevent migraines is that the drugs can cause drowsiness. To avoid this side effect, children should start with one dose at bedtime. Daytime doses can be added gradually until the maximum dose is reached.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are a first-line treatment in the prevention of migraines and have been used for many years. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline are the most effective. Physicians from the University of Maryland Medical Center indicate that antidepressants categorized as serotonin-reuptake inhibitors have not been shown to be effective at preventing migraines. Caution should be used when taking antidepressants to prevent migraine headaches. Side effects such as drowsiness, mood changes and heart rhythm disturbances can be bothersome or life-threatening.
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants, which are usually used to treat seizures, are approved for the prevention of migraine headaches. The FDA has specifically approved topiramate and divalproex sodium for this purpose. These drugs work to prevent nerve cells from working abnormally. Topiramate can be used to prevent migraines in adults, with the University of Maryland Medical Center reporting that people taking the drug experienced significantly fewer migraine headaches. Weight loss and tingling in the arms are side effects of topiramate. Divalproex sodium can be taken once per day to prevent migraine headaches. However, pregnant women should not take this drug because of the risk of birth defects.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem and verapamil are drugs that are usually used to treat high blood pressure. However, they have been shown to be effective at preventing migraine headache attacks. These drugs affect nerve chemicals that can contribute to migraines, so using calcium channel blockers can reduce the number of attacks a person experiences. Calcium channel blockers can cause side effects such as flushing, skin rash, dizziness, constipation, weakness, low blood pressure, swelling and tingling sensations in the legs or arms, so they should be used with caution.
