1. Take Pain-Relieving Medications at Onset
If you have mild to moderate migraine headaches, start with over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to provide relief. These drugs include ibuprofren, asprin and naproxen. In their standard formulation, NSAIDs may alleviate some of the pain of mild migraines. Some brands also offer specialized "migraine" formulations that contain additional ingredients, such as caffeine or acetaminophen. If you have moderate migraines, these drugs will offer the most over-the-counter relief. Prescription-strength NSAIDs are also available.
The most commonly prescribed prescription medications to treat severe migraines are triptans, including sumatriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan and several others with similar chemical formulations. These drugs should be taken as soon as a migraine begins. They abort the pain associated with the migraine and can relieve other traditional symptoms, such as light sensitivity and nausea. They have no effect on future migraines.
If you cannot take triptan drugs or find they do not work for you, there are some other prescription options. Ergots, the drug of choice to treat migraines before triptans were released, are still available. Additionally, opiates like codeine, butalbital compounds and some anti-nausea medications can have an abortive effect on migraines for some people.
2. Use Preventative Medications
If you have more than one migraine a week, you should talk to your doctor about preventative prescription medications. These drugs attempt to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines through daily doses. Cardiovascular drugs, such as beta blockers, are the first drugs that are typically prescribed for this purpose. Calcium channel blockers and anti-hypertensive medications also fall into this category.
Anti-depressants can also be used as preventative treatment, even if you are not clinically depressed. Of the many medications available, the tricylic anti-depressants are the drug of choice to treat migraines. Anti-seizure drugs, some antihistamines and anti-allergy drugs and even Botox injections in the forehead may also work as a preventative treatment for some people. How or why these treatments work is not entirely understood. Some migraine sufferers may have to try more than one drug treatment therapy before finding an option that provides noticeable results.
3. Seek Alternative Treatments
Some people find that certain alternative treatments can prevent migraines or diminish their intensity. These can be used in combination with traditional drug therapies or on their own. Acupuncture, massage and biofeedback all work to help relieve muscle tension and stress that can trigger migraines and other headaches. If you have tight muscles in your neck, shoulders or the back of your head, muscular tension may be contributing to your migraines.
Herbal supplements like feverfew and butterbur are also used to prevent migraines, though they should not be used when pregnant. Riboflavin, coenzyme Q10 and magnesium sulfate supplements have shown some effectiveness. While most of these supplements are not harmful when taken appropriately, it's important to talk to your doctor before trying them to avoid drug interactions.
