5 Classes of Drugs Used to Treat Migraines
While an experimental device showed promise in a study, patients already have a menu of options
A new study suggests that there may be a drug-free alternative to treating some migraines: a handheld transcranial magnetic stimulation device that, when held against the bottom of the back of the head, eased migraine symptoms in some study volunteers. While it will be months, at a minimum, before the new device reaches market, many medications are currently available for the treatment and prevention of migraines. Here's a sampling of options:
• Triptans, a class of drugs designed to treat migraines. Medications in this category include Imitrex, Relpax, Amerge, Frova, Axert, Maxalt, and Zomig. They ease nausea and pain, as well as sensitivity to light and sound.
• Butalbital, a sedative, is often combined with acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine, or codeine to treat migraines. Narcotics like meperidine are also an option.
• Ergotamine, a decades-old option, which has been used to treat migraines since before the introduction of triptans in 1992.
• Over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and naproxen can help ease migraines, too.
• There are also options for preventing or reducing the frequency of migraine attacks, including drugs such as amitriptyline, ergonovine, propranolol, clonidine, methysergide, cyproheptadine, calcium channel antagonists, valproic acid, carbamazepine, and topiramate.
Reader Comments
I've suffered from migraines for over 20 years, as has my mother and my sister. The only thing that ever helped us was imitrex. It is our miracle. It sounds like a lot of people here think they are suffering from migraines but if touching your head stops the pain, you're not haveing a real migraine. And if you take imitrex on the very onset (typically you get signs that you are about to experience a migraine versus some other kind of headache)it can be alleviated before any naseau symptoms hit. If I take it at the first sign, within 30 minutes I am completely fine. If I take it after it has gotten a hold on me, it may take just a bit longer.
Sinus pressure can actually be your trigger for a migraine, just like chocolate, perfume or other better known triggers. Sinus pressure is my trigger and no amount of sinus medication helps. In fact I've had MRIs during high pressure pain going into a migrain and doctors are surprised to find clear nasal passages and no swelling.
Stress is not a common factor of migraines. Stress headaches, though quite painful do not have the physical aspects that migraines do. During a migraine your veins actually constrict blood flow, creating a painful pounding sensation.
As someone who suffered terribly for years, I get really frustrated when people claim that chiropractic procedures and massage can stop their migraines. If you suffered from a headache, and there are many kinds, yours was not a migraine if those procedures stopped your pain.
Cindy of MI
Dear Cindy,
I am also a migraine surferer, not as severe as yours but I do get them monthly if not twice/month.
The only personal advice I can give you if your faith on God.
Perhaps giving all your suffering and pain to God can release you from it.
May God bless you.
maxalt
I CAN NO LONGERAFFORD INSURANCE AND NEED HELP WITH BUYING
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