Migraine Medication

Basically there are two types of migraine medication: Abortive and Preventive

Abortive medicines are to be taken when the migraine is just starting out. The purpose is to stop the migraine from getting worse. Abortive medicines help to relieve migraine symptoms by reverting dilated blood vessels to their normal size. These medicines are not to be taken for long periods.

If your are having a mild migraine, you can opt for over-the-counter (OTC) migraine drugs. You do not need a prescription. These usually contain aspirin, ibuprofen, paracetamol, caffeine, anti-histamine or codeine.

If OTC migraine drugs do not help, there are prescription migraine medication from the doctors. Below is a list of the various classes of medication:

1. Triptans (Imitrex, Imigran, Zomig, Maxalt, Frova, Amerge, Respax)

2. Ergotamines (Cafergot, DHE-45, Migranal)

3. Sympathomimetic agents (Midrin)

4. Barbiturate and analgesic combinations (Fioricet, Esgic-Plus)

5. Narcotics (Demerol, Toradol, Dilaudid)

Preventive medications are prescribed for severe migraines that occur more than twice a month, and that significantly interfere with daily activities. Preventive medications do not cure you of migraines. They are intended to reduce both the frequency and the severity of the headache and are usually taken daily.

Preventive medicines are as follows:

1. Beta blockers (Inderal, Toprol XL, Tenormin, Corgard)

2. Tricyclic antidepressants (Elavil, Pamelor)

3. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Parnate, Nardil, Marplan)

4. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (Prozal, Paxil, Zoloft, Serzone, Effexor)

5. Anticonvulsants (Dilantin, Topamax, Depakote, Neurontin, Depakene)

6. Calcium channel blockers (Calan, Verelan, Isoptin, Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac, Norvasc)

It is important for you to know the type of medication you have been prescribed because each comes with their own set of possible side effects and contraindications. Therefore, do not fail to mention to your doctor about other drugs that you may be taking. And also make known existing illnesses you may have such as diabetes, heart condition, glaucoma, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease etc....

Alternative Migraine Therapy

There are other ways, besides drugs and medication, to help relieve you of your migraine symptoms. Alternative migraine treatments are preferred by some as they are the more natural ways to achieve migraine relief. Some migraine sufferers have turned to this option as they have gone from one migraine drug to another only to suffer it's many side effects and finding no solution to their pain.

Herbs for migraine is an example of alternative migraine treatment. One such herb is Feverfew. An ever-growing number of migraine sufferers are turning to this older remedy.

Other alternative methods which are part of migraine therapy include:

• Massage therapy

• Biofeedback

• Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

• Homeopathy

• Acupuncture

• Relaxation techniques

• Migraine diet

• Chiropractic manipulation

• Trigger management