Migraine medication
For most patients, medications for migraine are the most effective way to treat and prevent their headaches. Migraine treatment is effective in relieving the pain and associated symptoms of migraine, but is also the most effective way to prevent migraine developing in the first place. Medications for migraine act to relieve the pain of headache, but may also be used to treat associated nausea, vomiting and dizziness that many migraine sufferers experience.
The main medications used to treat established migraine are simple painkillers (such a ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol), however many sufferers require stronger painkillers. 5-HT1 agonists (triptans) and/or strong opioid painkillers are used, either alone or in combination with dopamine antagonists (e.g. prochlorperazine). The use of these medications to abort migraine must be carefully managed, and must be limited to 2-3 days a week to prevent development of a rebound headache phenomenon.
The main medications used to prevent migraine are usually either antiepileptics (medications often used to control seizures), antidepressants (medications often used to treat depression), or antihypertensives (medications often used to treat high blood pressure). Muscle-relaxing injections (medications often used cosmetically to treat wrinkles) are now available to prevent migraine, and may be beneficial in patients with intractable, chronic migraine that has failed to respond to at least 3 conventional preventive medications. The injections are administered to the scalp and temple. This treatment has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks for 2-3 months after the injections are given.
Get frequent migraines? Act now!
If you or a member of your family suffer from frequent migraines then we may be able to help. Simply contact us to book an appointment for assessment and treatment at one of our clinics (or if you have any questions).
