If you suffer from migraines, this stat will not surprise you…migraines are one of the most disabling diseases in the world according to the World Health Organization.
What are migraines?
Migraines are very intense headaches. A migraine can last for a few hours to a number of days. Migraine symptoms include throbbing pain on one or both sides of your head, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and/or sound.
Migraines usually begin with an aura about 30 minutes prior to getting the headache. The aura can be mental fuzziness or tingling in your head or seeing flashing lights.
Do you suffer from migraines? Are you interested in learning what prescription medications you can take? Keep reading our guide to migraine medication. One thing to keep in mind, these treat symptoms or prevent migraines, but they are not a cure for migraines.
1. Botox
Botox came on the scene as a migraine treatment around twenty years ago when people using it for cosmetic reasons began to notice an improvement in headaches.
Botox is another name for OnabotulinumtoxinA which is a botulinum toxin that works to prevent the brain’s pain response from activating when it’s injected into areas of the face and scalp.
2. Amitriptyline (Elavil)
This prescription drug is an antidepressant from the group called tricyclics and they’re quite effective. Doctors suggest taking it at bedtime because drowsiness and sleepiness are very common side effects of the drug.
Dosing is one to four times a day.
3. Topamax
This inexpensive drug is normally used in the treatment of seizures in children and adults with epilepsy. For migraines, it is taken as a preventative.
Topamax can prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks. It will not treat a migraine after it has already begun. When taking Topamax, the goal is to work up to 400 mg/day starting with 25 mg/day.
4. Triptans
Triptans are a class of drugs that result in increased serotonin levels in the brain. They reduce inflammation and constricting blood vessels to effectively end a migraine.
Triptans are available in pill form, as a nasal spray, an injection, and tablets that dissolve under your tongue and work quickly to stop a migraine.
5. Ergotamines
Ergotamines were the first types of medications used to specifically target migraines. These types of drugs cause the blood vessels around the brain to contract to make you feel quick relief from migraine pain.
Ergotamines are available as pills, sublingual tablets, nasal sprays, suppositories, and injections. Doctors advise patients to take the medication at the first sign of migraines symptoms. Patients can take additional doses every 30 minutes if the pain continues.
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Treatment for Migraines
When you’re searching for treatment for your migraines, be sure to consult your doctor. Come prepared with questions like, “What might be triggering my migraines? Should I make any lifestyle changes? What type of medication is best for me?”
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