Migraine Treatment and Relief

Although there is no known cure for a migraine, there are very good treatments that can help with the symptoms and provide relief. 

Drugs available for the treatment of migraines fall into one of two categories:

• Pain-relieving Treatments / Abortive therapy: These drugs are taken once the migraine has set in. These drugs are prescribed for the relief of pain and other migraine symptoms.

• Preventive Treatments / Preventive therapy:  These drugs when taken regularly, often on a daily basis, help reduce the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches.

Several factors decide which migraine treatment option will work best for you. These include the frequency and intensity with which your headaches occur and how severely affected you may be due to your symptoms. Not all drugs are safe for use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for an optimal treatment plan.

Pain Relief and Migraine Treatments:

Pain relievers are most effective when administered early in the attack. Resting or sleeping in a dark room may help ease your symptoms faster

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or a combination, which may help ease moderate pain

• Triptans are the drug of choice for severe attacks. They can relieve the pain and also alleviate the sensitivity to light and nausea, e.g., Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

• Ergots are used as a less expensive alternative to triptans, but are less effective.

• Narcotics and butalbital-containing medications are used only occasionally to treat migraine headaches because they can be potentially habit-forming.

• Anti-emetics, such as prochlorperazine and metaclopromide, are prescribed in combination with other medications to limit the nausea and vomiting associated with migraines.

• There appears to be a correlation between Botox injections and reduced severity of attacks

You may be prescribed preventative medicines by your doctor to reduce the frequency, severity and length of an attack. Such medications include:

• Beta blockers

• Anti-depressants

• Calcium channel blockers

• Anti-epileptics

• Anti-serotonin drugs

It is important to consult your physician before you take any of these medications

Living with Migraines

Living with a migraine is not as difficult as it may sound. You may use ice or relaxation techniques to reduce the severity of an acute attack.

Biofeedback is a relaxation technique that can help to relieve the pain. This involves the use of special equipment to teach you voluntary control over heart rate and muscle tension.

Some lifestyle changes can be helpful in preventing migraine attacks. These include avoiding smoking and known triggers, getting adequate sleep and exercise, and eliminating stress.

Some patients report getting relief with riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and magnesium supplements.

Discuss this in the MIGRAINE and HEADACHE forum