For a simple and common headache any person can reach for a bottle of over the counter medication such as Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, or Excedrin. However for the more severe migraine attack these types of over the counter medications will not even begin to touch the symptom relief needed for migraine treatment.
Prescription medications as one might assume can only be prescribed by a certified physician. The most important thing individuals should be aware of when seeking a migraine treatment is any and all side effects (most often negative) that are associated with each type of prescription medication used in migraine treatment.
Medications
Medications that are most commonly prescribed to aid in the lessening of the occurrence of migraine attacks are anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications, as well as blood pressure medications. When speaking of migraine prevention often the use of prophylactic medications are prescribed. Prophylactic medication will not be as effective if taken once a migraine has already begun, but will be helpful when taken on a daily basis as a preventative migraine treatment. Some of the most common prophylactic medications are beta blockers, calcium-channel blockers, tricyclic anti-depressants, antiserotonin agents, as well as anticonvulsants. Each of these prescribed medications for migraine treatment come with a multitude of negative side effects, and when possible should only be used as a last defense in migraine treatment.
Triptans
This type of medication is geared towards relieving the pressure associated with migraines. Triptans are able to constrict blood vessels as well as create an upset in the process which leads to a migraine attack. Triptans are most often prescribed to a migraine sufferer that experiences moderate to severe migraine pain. The most commonly known Triptans for migraine treatment are as follows:
- Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imigran, Cinie, Illument, Migriptan)
- Rizatriptan (Maxalt),
- Naratriptan (Amerge, Naramig)
- Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
- Eletriptan (Relpax)
- Elmotriptan (Axert, Almogran)
- Frovatriptan (Frova, Migard, Frovamig)
- Avitriptan
As notated just like many prescription drugs there are side effects to Triptans. The most common side effects listed from taking Triptans are drowsiness, facial reddening, fatigue, tightening in the chest, tightening in the throat, as well as dizziness. But perhaps the most worrisome side effect from Triptans is that because Triptans aid in migraine treatment by restricting the blood vessels, they don’t only restrict blood vessels in the head but also in other parts of the body such as the heart, which can be of obvious danger.
Alternative Options
Until recently many people had no other choice when it came to migraine treatment and prescription medication was the go-to for most individuals and prescribing physicians. However, today migraine sufferers have many more alternative options that should be carefully weighed as legitimate and beneficial migraine treatment options. Some of the most common alternative migraine treatment options are the use of therapies such as massage, biofeedback, chiropractic manipulation, and acupuncture. Another migraine treatment option that should be carefully weighed is the use of Supplements such as 5 – Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), Coenzyme Q10, Magnesium, and Vitamin B2.
Tags: antiserotonin agents, Beta Blockers, Calcium-channel Blockers, migraine treatment, prescription medications, prophylactic medications, treating migraines, tricyclic anti-depressants, Triptans
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