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There
are several drugs which have been designed for the treatment of
migraines. Also, some other drugs which have traditionally
been used for other conditions might in some instances prevent or
relieve migraines. Medicines used to treat migraines can be
divided into two categories pain relievers and preventative medications. Pain relievers are known as abortive or acute treatment and
are taken during the migraine attack. These medications are
meant to stop the symptoms after they've already begun.Preventative
medications, if taken regularly, can reduce the frequency
and severity of migraines especially if they're taken daily.
The
strategy you use for treating your migraines will depend largely
on their severity and frequency, as well as how much your headaches
interfere with your daily functioning. Preventative therapy
could be right for you if you typically have two or more severe
attacks a month which interfere with your daily life.This therapy
also is sometimes recommended if you currently use pain medication
more than two times a week, if pain relievers aren't working, or
if your migraine symptoms include a prolonged numbness or aura and
impaired movement located on one side of the body.
Three
are some medicines which are not recommended for a woman who is
either pregnant or breastfeeding. Others should not be used
by children.Speak with your doctor about the right medicine for
you or your family.If it's determined that pain-relieving medicine
is the best option for you, it's best to take them at the first
signs of the onset of a migraine. After you take the medicine,
it might help to sleep or rest in a dark room .
If it's
determined you should take anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin
or ibuprofen), some possible choices are Advil or Motrin among others. These work best for mild migraines. Some other possibilities
are a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine. None
of these options are particularly good for severe migraines. If
none of these options work, your doctor might recommend a stronger
prescription-strength version of the drug. If an anti-inflammatory
drug is taken for too long or too often, they could lead to rebound
headaches, ulters or gastrointestinal bleeding.
For
those with severe migraines, triptans are usually the preferred
drug. They work well at relieving pain, nausea and the light
and sound sensitivity often associated with migraines. one
of the first triptan developed to treat migraines is Imitrex. Other
related medicines include Amerge, Maxalt, Zomig, Avert, Frova and
Relpax. Some of the side effects of these drugs could include
dizziness, nausea, muscle weakness, and in rare cases, heart attack
or stroke.
A common
prescription for treating migraine before triptans are ergots (Ergotamine). It tends to be less expensive than triptans, but also less
effective.Because
migraines often cause nausea, with or without vomiting, doctors
sometimes suggest medications to treat the nausea. Some commonly
prescribed medicines include prochlorperazine or metoclopramide.There are numerous other drug therapy options available for migraines. Consult with a doctor to determine which is best in your situation.
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