Migraine headache pain can be debilitating, but did you know there are several treatments available? These treatments can help relieve different types of migraine pain, including migraine pain that is due to tension and migraine pain that is due to migraines.
Many people have migraines, which is when painful attacks occur that can last up to 72 hours. Migraines are a symptom of an underlying condition known as migraines with aura. These attacks occur when the arteries of your head are swollen, which causes flashing lights, blind spots, or numbness and tingling.
Common Migraine Drugs
There are a variety of medications for treating migraine headaches. These medications come in two forms: preventative and abortive. Preventative medications are taken on a regular basis to help prevent migraines. Abortive medications are taken to relieve a migraine attack.
While migraine medications come in a variety of forms, there are a few common migraine drugs that you might be familiar with. These include:
*Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Amitriptyline (sometimes called Elavil) is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and migraine headaches. While it can feel unnatural to try and lose weight when you’ve been overweight for so long, it does make your body healthier, leaner, and stronger.
*Divalproex sodium extended-release (Depakote ER)
Migraines can be debilitating and difficult to control. If you suffer from migraines, talk to your doctor about if divalproex sodium extended-release (Depakote ER) is a treatment option for you. These tablets and oral solutions are used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder, but Divalproex is also approved by the FDA for migraine treatment.
*Eletriptan (Relpax)
If your migraine is so severe that you can’t function, Eletriptan (Relpax), a prescription medication approved to treat migraines, might be the answer you’re looking for. While Eletriptan is approved for use in adults, it can also be used in children 10 years of age and older, depending on the severity of your case. Eletriptan works quickly to treat the symptoms of migraines, so you can get back to your daily routine. Eletriptan comes in two forms: extended-release (injection) and oral tablet form, so whichever is more convenient for you is what you should use.
*Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)
Metoprolol, or Lopressor, is a beta-blocker that is used to treat migraines and high blood pressure. Metoprolol is generally well tolerated and can effectively treat migraine headaches and blood pressure. Metoprolol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day or at bedtime. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
*Propranolol extended-release (Inderal, Inderal LA, Inderal XL)
Propranolol extended-release (Inderal, Inderal LA, Inderal XL) is an 80 mg/mL tablet that is used to treat or prevent migraine headaches. This drug is usually taken once per day. Do not take more than one tablet per day. This drug is available by prescription only.
*Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is a prescription medicine that is used to relieve migraine headache attacks. Maxalt can also treat cluster headaches. Maxalt is used to treat migraine with or without aura in adults. Maxalt should be used as soon as migraine symptoms begin. Maxalt usually relieves migraine symptoms in 1-4 hours.
*Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Imitrex is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves headache pain. The active ingredient in Imitrex is sumatriptan, which belongs to a group of medicines called triptans. Imitrex is an over-the-counter medication that comes in a pill or a tablet. It is used to treat migraine headaches. It works by constricting blood vessels in the brain, which reduces inflammation and relieves pain. The medication should not be used for headaches that are not migraines.
While over-the-counter and prescription medications are available, these treatments are not always effective, and many people prefer to try other treatment options. If you’re looking for additional treatment options for migraine, you can check out migraine clinical trials at Power.
Possible Side Effect Of Migraine Medication
Although migraine medications are very effective for many sufferers, side effects are still possible. Migraines, which affect about 15 percent of the population, are debilitating headaches that cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. These symptoms are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as aura, phonophobia (pain or loss of hearing), and diplopia (double vision).
People who suffer from migraines know the pain and discomfort as well as its debilitating nature. In some cases, migraines can be so bad a person is unable to work, and that causes worry and concern among family and friends. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to manage the pain. However, recent studies have shown that taking commonly prescribed migraine medication may lead to a side effect called tardive dyskinesia, a medical disorder where a person develops involuntary movements.
Many migraine sufferers have been prescribed drugs that are used to counter the throbbing pain that often accompanies their migraine attacks. But there may be a potential side effect of taking these medications that you should be aware of: they can result in severe dizziness.