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What Medications Are Used for Migraines?

Migraines refer to severe headaches that can last longer than a standard headache. Migraines might be brought on by triggers, including hormone fluctuation, changes in air pressure, exposure to light and stress. In some patients, the headache might be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, smell or sound. Several medications can be used to treat migraines. Some treat the symptoms; others help stop the migraine attack.

  1. Preventing Migraines

    • The National Migraine Association recommends certain medications to prevent migraines and/or reduce the number of migraine attacks. According to Migraine.org, beta blockers (in particular, propranolol) are the most common medication prescribed to prevent migraines. Calcium channel blockers also can be used to prevent migraines by stopping the constricting of vessels responsible for migraine pain. Methysergide works in a similar manner to calcium channel blockers, but it has significant side effects and should be used only on select patients. Patients must not take the medication for more than six months without a break of at least one month. Antidepressant medications also might prove useful in minimizing migraine attacks by affecting serotonin levels.

    Aborting Attacks

    • Other medications are designed to abort a migraine attack. These medications constrict the blood vessels that cause migraine pay. Cerebral vasoconstrictor abortive agents include ergotamine tartrate, dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitripan, eletriptan, frovatriptan and isometheptene mucate.

    Managing Pain

    • According to Migraines.org, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and over-the-counter acetaminophens, including aspirin and Excedrin Migraine, are not recommended for treating migraines. These over-the-counter medications are not strong enough to treat migraines and can cause another headache after the migraine subsides. Prescription analgesics such as Fiorinal, codeine, Percodan, Demerol, Tylox or methadone might be prescribed to manage migraine pain. Non-prescription options include Midrin and Fiorinal.

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