What Is the Strongest Medicine for Migraines?

Migraines are severe headaches that cause vomiting, sensitivity to light and a throbbing pain in the head (often felt on one side). According to Medline Plus, 11 out of 100 people suffer from migraines. Due to their severity, most victims find little relief in regular headache medications.

Sumatriptan

• Sumatriptan is prescribed to people who suffer from severe migraines. It is only available by prescription, and comes in the form of a spray, tablet or solution. Many people find complete pain relief when taking sumatriptan.

Considerations

• You must tell your physician if you have allergies to any medications or if you are pregnant before taking this medication. In addition, sumatriptan cannot be taken with certain prescription drugs; notify your physician if you are taking any prescription medications.

Usage

• Sumatriptan is to be taken as soon as the migraine begins.Tablet forms of sumatriptan must be taken whole with water. The injectable form will come with instructions as well as direction from your physician. Nasal solutions will also come with specific instruction from your physician on usage.

Warnings and Precautions

• If the injectable or nasal-solution form of sumatriptan hasn't worked within one to two hours, or if your tablet has not worked in two to four hours, do not take any more medication during this headache; you may need prevention medication. If you have used this medication for three separate migraines with no relief, notify your physician.

Side Effects

• Common side effects experienced while taking sumatriptan are burning, discharge or pain in the nose; changes in taste; discomfort in the jaw; dizziness; flushing; and nausea. Less common symptoms are anxiety, vision changes and fatigue.