Migraine Headache Medication Options
There are two basic types of migraine headache medications; those that stop the headache once it starts, and those that try to prevent it. Either way, anyone who has suffered from migraines knows that relief is the most important thing. Learn more about the different medications for migraine headaches.
Treating the Headache When It Happens
If you suffer from migraine attacks, and choose to treat them when they come, take the migraine headache medication them minute you know the headache is coming. This will help to keep your migraine from getting out of hand. If you get to the pain before it becomes severe, try an aspirin or acetaminophen to treat it. You will probably need extra doses, since migraine pain is so severe. NSAIDs also work well for treating migraines, if they are not severe. NSAIDs include medications like Advil, but you may need a higher dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Ergot compounds are migraine headache medications that work by narrowing blood vessels that are enlarged when a migraine attacks. There are serious side effects of these medications, so the use of them is not as popular as it used to be. Doctors are looking for new migraine headache medications, but sometimes still prescribe certain ergot compounds, as they can be highly effective.
Preventative Medications
There are many migraine headache medications on the market today that claim to prevent migraine headaches. If they work for the person suffering from migraines, this is the best route to take. These medications are taken daily, whether or not there is a headache. Often, they can cut the number of headaches suffered each month by half.
One type of preventative migraine headache medications is the beta-blocker medications. These are usually prescribed as heart medications, but they also work for migraines. They prevent the blood vessels from expanding or dilating with the migraine.
Calcium channel-blockers are another type of heart pill that is prescribed for migraines.
Antidepressant medications also help prevent migraine headaches. You can take an antidepressant for your headache even if you are not suffering from depression. Anti-seizure medications also sometimes work to help prevent migraines. Migraines and seizures share some similarities, and the medications seem to help both. Sometimes migraines are accompanied by seizures, and through using anti-seizure medications, you can treat both problems.
Finally, anti-serotonin medications work to treat migraine headaches. These medications work on the chemicals in the brain. By stabilizing the serotonin levels in the brain, the migraines can often be prevented.
When studying the different migraine headache medication options, always consult with your doctor. You may need to try several medications before you find the one that works. However, once you do, the relief is worth the wait. Talk to your doctor today!