According to the Mayo Clinic, a migraine is a chronic headache in which you experience mild to severe head pain. Typically, migraines are preceded with auras which are warning signs. For example, you may develop blind spots or flashes of light in your visual field. You can also develop numbness or tingling in your arms or legs. Symptoms of migraines include nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to sound or light, thirst, drowsiness and throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of your head. There are specific medications to treat migraines.
Sumatriptan
According to Drugs.com, sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraine headaches, specifically cluster headaches. Manifestations of cluster headaches include pain in and around your eyes that can move to other parts of your face and body, eye tearing and restlessness. Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist which works to relieve your head pain. Sumatriptan's side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, flushing, burning pain, nausea or vomiting and muscle cramps. Sumatriptan is available as an injection, and should be uses as soon as you develop a headache. Its dosage and frequency of injection is dependent upon the strength of the medication and your age.
Ergotamine
According to the National Library of Medicine, ergotamine is a medication used to manage migraines. Ergotamine's common side effects include irritation, redness and swelling at the injection site. It can also lead to numbness, weakness, nausea, vomiting and heart problems. You should avoid combining ergotamine with such macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin because it can lead to lack of blood flow to the brain (cerebral ischemia). Ergotamine is available as a rectal suppository. You should use at most two suppositories for one migraine attack. Do not use more than five ergotamine suppositories a week or the aforementioned side effects can occur.
Acetaminophen, Aspirin and Caffeine
The combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine can also treat your migraine manifestations. According to Drugs.com, acetaminophen is an analgesic (pain-reliever) that works to reduce pain and fever. Aspirin is a salicylate and it decreases the production of substances in your body that provoke inflammation. Caffeine is a stimulant that works on your brain and spinal cord. It serves to relax the blood vessels in your brain, so that increased quantities of blood flow to it.
Side effects of this combination drug include heartburn, trouble sleeping, nervousness and stomach pain. It can also cause fainting, weakness, hearing problems and generalized pain. The combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine is available as a tablet. Take this drug as instructed.
