The Pros & Cons Of Using Medications For Migraine Treatment

There are basically three types of medications used for migraine treatment, (1) over the counter medicine, (2) pain relieving medications, as well as (3) preventative medications. While there are times when these medications must be used with no alternatives, it is important for migraine sufferers to be aware of both the pros and the cons of the these types of medications in order to make a well informed decision about whether this type of treatment for migraines is right for them.

Over the Counter Medicine

Over the counter medicine is often tried to be used for migraine treatment. Most commonly over the counter medicine such as Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen or Naproxen can be tried for migraine treatment. However for a true migraine headache, usually over the counter medicine won’t even put a drop in the bucket in regards to the pain and other symptoms that are felt during an attack. In response to this low effectiveness many over the counter medicine brands have begun to produce over the counter medicine that is specifically designed or claimed to treat migraine headaches. These over the counter medicine types are listed as Excedrin Migraine, Motrin Migraine, or Advil Migraine Liqui-Gels. While all of these over the counter medicine that are listed as Migraine treatment are approved by the FDA they aren’t usually very effective in providing much relief to a full blown migraine attack.

Pain Relieving Medicines

These types of medications are designed to be taken as soon as signs of a migraine begin to appear.

• Triptans are often the drug of choice for many migraine sufferers. The most commonly used Triptans for migraine treatment include Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, Almotriptan, Naratriptan, Zolmitriptan, Frovatriptan, as well as Eletriptan.  While they are very effective in providing pain relief, nausea, as well as sensitivity to light they also carry some negative side effects as well. The side effects can include nausea, muscle weakness, and even dizziness. These types of prescription drugs are not recommended for use by those who are at risk for strokes or heart attacks.
• Ergots are less expensive than Triptans, but in the same token are also less effective than Triptans. However, they are used for migraine treatment and are most effective for individuals whose migraines tend to last more than forty-eight hours.
• Anti-Nausea Medicines are also used for migraine treatment because many times migraines cause nausea as a symptom in individuals. These medications like metoclopramide or prochlorperazine are commonly used to help settle the nausea whether vomiting is present or not.
• Opiates are medications that contain narcotics. Often times Opiates are used in individuals who cannot take Triptans or Ergots for one reason or another. The con of using Opiates is that these forms of migraine treatment can become extremely habit forming.
• Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that can be used in conjunction with other medications to help treat migraines and improve pain relief. However, there is a high risk of steroid toxicity so this form of medication should be used very rarely and with much caution.

Preventative Medicines

Individuals who do not respond to over the counter medicine or pain medicine may be candidates for preventive medicines if they experience two or more debilitating migraines a month. Preventative medications can aid in reducing the frequency, severity, as well as length of the migraine attacks. Some of the commonly used preventative medications include Cardiovascular Drugs, Antidepressants, as well as Anti-seizure drugs. However, just as with the pain relieving medications these preventative medications do not always work completely and many of them can cause some serious side effects. Some of the side effects that can be expected from these drugs include dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and even hair loss.

Other Treatment Options

When over the counter medicine, pain medicines, and preventative medicines are weighed out many times individuals choose other forms of migraine treatment. These forms of migraine treatment can include the use of supplements, herbal remedies, massage, acupuncture, biofeedback, as well as chiropractic care. These forms of alternative treatment are just that, they are alternatives to the over the counter medicine and prescription drugs which are commonly used in the medical community for migraine treatment. These alternative treatment options have been proven in multiple studies to be beneficial as well as successful in treating migraines.

Tags: headache, herbal supplements, migraine, migraine attack, Migraine Medications, Migraine Support Formula, Prescription medication, side effects, Triptans