Symptomatic relief for migraines

Symptomatic relief medications are used to relieve the pain and the nausea and vomiting associated with migraine.

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Over-the-counter medications are effective for some people. The main ingredients in pain-relieving medications are ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, and caffeine. Be cautious when taking over-the-counter pain relievers, because overuse can cause rebound headaches or a dependency problem. They may also cause stomach irritation and exacerbate nausea and vomiting.

If you are taking any over-the-counter pain medications more than three times a week or daily, it's time to see if your healthcare provider can suggest medications that may be more effective, such as prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (i.e., ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen).

You may also be advised to use antinausea medications to relieve the nausea that accompanies migraines, and sedatives to help you sleep, since sleep relieves migraines.

Since these medications may cause side effects in some people, it's important to consult your doctor about your risks.