Quick-Acting Migraine Medication: What to Know

What is quick-acting migraine medication?

Quick-acting migraine medication, also known as abortive therapy or rescue therapy, is a type of medication that is used to treat migraine headaches that are already in progress. These medications work by quickly relieving the pain, nausea, and other symptoms of a migraine attack.

How does quick-acting migraine medication work?

Quick-acting migraine medications work by blocking or reducing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that are involved in the development and progression of migraine attacks. These chemicals include serotonin, dopamine, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

What are the types of quick-acting migraine medication?

There are several different types of quick-acting migraine medications, including:

* Triptans are the most commonly used type of quick-acting migraine medication. They work by constricting blood vessels in the brain and blocking the release of certain chemicals that can cause migraines. Triptans include medications such as sumatriptan (Imitrex), zolmitriptan (Zomig), and rizatriptan (Maxalt).

* Ergot alkaloids are another type of quick-acting migraine medication that work by constricting blood vessels and reducing the release of chemicals that can cause migraines. Ergot alkaloids include medications such as ergotamine (Ergomar) and dihydroergotamine (DHE 45).

* Opioid painkillers are sometimes used to treat migraines, although they are not as effective as triptans or ergot alkaloids. Opioid painkillers such as codeine and oxycodone can be used in combination with triptans or ergot alkaloids to provide additional pain relief.

* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also sometimes used to treat migraines. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can be helpful for mild to moderate migraines.

What are the side effects of quick-acting migraine medication?

Quick-acting migraine medications can cause a variety of side effects, including:

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Dizziness

* Lightheadedness

* Headache

* Sneezing

* Runny nose

* Constipation

* Diarrhea

* Muscle cramps

* Fatigue

* Drowsiness

Some people may also experience more serious side effects from quick-acting migraine medications, such as:

* Heart attack

* Stroke

* Seizures

* Kidney failure

* Liver failure

How should quick-acting migraine medication be used?

Quick-acting migraine medication should be taken at the first sign of a migraine attack. The medication should be taken as directed by the doctor, and the dosage should not be exceeded.

Who should not take quick-acting migraine medication?

Quick-acting migraine medication should not be taken by people who have:

* Heart disease

* Stroke

* Kidney failure

* Liver failure

* A history of seizures

* A history of drug abuse

* Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

What other considerations are there for quick-acting migraine medication?

Quick-acting migraine medication should be used only when necessary. If a person experiences more than two migraines per week, they should see a doctor to discuss preventive medication.

Quick-acting migraine medication can be expensive. There are a number of generic versions of quick-acting migraine medications available that can be less expensive than brand-name medications.

If a person is considering taking quick-acting migraine medication, they should talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.