Migraines are more than typical headaches, requiring specific medications to ease pain. While hosts of options are available to relieve these headaches, these medications typically are most effective when used at the onset of pain. Once full-blown migraine progresses, the chances of gaining relief diminish. Triptans, preventative medications, over-the-counter drugs and prescription pain relievers are examples of migraine therapies that can be beneficial if used early in the course of a migraine.
Triptans
Triptans medications are among the most widely used medications for the early treatment of migraine headaches. These prescription medications work to reduce pain caused by migraines and may eliminate associated symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Their effectiveness is enhanced if taken early in the migraine, providing relief for 60 percent of migraine sufferers within two hours, according to Consumer Reports. Triptans are not right for every migraine sufferer, however, including those with cardiovascular risks, high blood pressure, history of stroke, or people who are obese.
Preventative Medications
Preventative medications are those taken daily to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. These medications are prescribed to people who experience several migraine headaches monthly, as acute medications can cause rebound headaches if taken too frequently. According to the Mayo Clinic, preventative medications for migraines could benefit nearly half of migraine sufferers, though only 1 in 10 people take them. Anti-seizure drugs, such as topiramate are among those used by migraine sufferers for early treatment.
Over-the-counter Medications
Over-the-counter migraine medications are not effective for every migraine sufferer or every headache, as they are often not strong enough to alleviate the pain of a migraine. However, some individuals find relief when dosing early, tackling the headache before it becomes severe. Examples of over-the-counter pain relievers for migraines include ibuprofen and aspirin that are formulated with caffeine. Frequent use is not recommended, as rebound headaches, stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding can occur with chronic use, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prescrption Pain Relievers
Prescription pain relievers may be used to treat migraine headaches in some individuals. Though narcotics are typically a last resort medication, individuals who cannot use triptans or other common migraine medications may use them occasionally. Other prescription pain relievers, such as butalbital combinations, combine sedatives and aspirin for early treatment of migraine headaches. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking these drugs when initial symptoms arise and resting in a dark room provides the best results.
