There are both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to help with the intense pain of migraine headaches. There also are some medications to help prevent the onset of migraines. Migraines may appear from nowhere or may be foreshadowed by "auras" such as vision blind spots, tingling in the extremities and flashes of light.
Ibuprofen
Medications such as Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Genpril, Addaprin, Midol and Proprinal (generic: ibuprofen) may be used to treat the pain of migraine headaches. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may help reduce pain in moderate or mild migraines but may not have much of an effect on severe pain. Ibuprofen can produce some side effects. These include heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, agitation, chest pains, confusion, depression or coma, among others. Ibuprofen is available as an OTC or prescription medicine.
Rizatriptan
Rizatriptan, marketed as Maxalt and Maxalt-MLT, is designed specifically to treat migraine pain that is severe. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people find total relief from migraine headaches with rizatriptan, while others experience a significant reduction in pain. It is available only by prescription. Side effects can occur. They may include hot flashes, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, irritation in the eye, sensitivity to heat, insomnia, irritability, confusion, gas, constipation, itchiness, trembling and noises in the ears.
Zolmitriptan
Zomig (generic name: zolmitriptan) also is designed to treat only migraine headaches and no other type of pain. Zolmitriptan is a prescription drug. The most serious side effects may effect people with blood vessel or heart disease. Other side effects may include severe chest pain, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, irregular or rapid heartbeat, numbness, depression, anxiety, dry mouth, weakness, sweating and itching.
Metoprolol
Lopressor and Toprol XL are two brand names for metoprolol, a beta blocker that also sometimes is prescribed for migraines. It is one of several types of medication designed to prevent migraines from occurring. It can cause skin red spots, bloody stools or urine, sores in the mouth, a rash, vomiting blood, chills, fever, pain in the muscles, severe stomach upset or pain that may include vomiting, headaches and tingling.
