According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), people who suffer from migraine headache describe intense, pulsing or throbbing pain specific to one place in the head. Headache pain frequently comes with sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. The incidence of migraine is three times higher in women than it is in men, says the NINDS. Triptans are prescription medications that relieve migraine pain and enable a person to resume normal daily activities. Other medications help to prevent the occurrence of migraine headache.
Almotriptan (Axert)
According to Drugs.com, almotriptan is an oral prescription medication for the treatment of severe migraine headaches. Many people find that this drug also alleviates symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light that occur along with the headache pain. Almotriptan is not a general analgesic in the sense that it will only relieve the pain associated with a migraine headache. The oral adult dose is 6.25mg or 12.5mg, which the patient should take as a single dose as soon as the migraine headache pain begins. If the pain goes away and then returns, a second dose is permissible two or more hours after the first dose, but the patient should not take more than two doses in a 24-hour period, says Drugs.com. People with cardiovascular disease should consult their doctor before using almotriptan. Common side effects include burning, numbness or tingling feeling, dizziness, dry mouth and sleepiness.
Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
Rizatriptan is an oral prescription medication for the treatment of severe migraine headaches, says the Mayo Clinic. In many cases, this drug provides complete relief of migraine pain, and the patient is able to return to normal activities. Rizatriptan constricts blood vessels in the brain, so people who have cardiovascular disease should consult with their doctor about serious side effects that may result from taking this drug. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults should take 5mg or 10mg as a single dose that can be repeated two hours later if needed. It is important to avoid driving after taking rizatriptan for migraine relief because drowsiness or dizziness may occur. Other common side effects are dry mouth, hot flashes and muscle weakness.
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
According to the Monthly Prescribing Reference (MPR), sumatriptan is an oral prescription drug for the acute treatment of migraine headache. Adults should take a single dose of 25mg to 100mg with liquids as soon as migraine pain begins. The patient may take additional doses every two hours if necessary up to a maximum of 200mg per day. People with a history of heart attack, chest pain or stroke should not take sumatriptan, says the MPR. Common side effects include tingling, hot sensation, flushing, muscle pain and anxiety.
Topiramate (Topamax)
The Mayo Clinic states that topiramate is an oral, prescription medication that can help to prevent migraine headache. The initial adult dose is 25mg taken in the evening for the first week. This may be gradually increased each week, if necessary, up to 100mg a day. Patients who experience adverse effects such as blurred vision, dizziness, clumsy behavior or problems speaking should immediately consult their doctor. In some people, topiramate may lead to suicidal thoughts or tendencies.
Propranolol (Inderal)
According to Drugs.com, propranolol is a beta blocker that can treat high blood pressure, but it is also FDA-approved for the prevention of migraine headache. Adults start at 80mg a day, and this may be slowly increased to 160mg to 240mg a day. If this dose is not effective after four to six weeks, the doctor will gradually discontinue treatment. Side effects may include lightheadedness, low blood pressure, nausea and slow heartbeat.
