Medication Used in Acute Migraine Headache

A migraine is a chronic episodic headache disorder that, if left untreated, can leave the sufferer debilitated for hours or even days. More intense than a standard headache, migraines are often times under-diagnosed and left professionally untreated. It is important to discuss headache symptoms and frequency with a physician to determine the most effective treatment option.

The Facts

• Migraines affect approximately 28 million people in the United States with attacks causing temporary disability and disruption in their daily lives. According to Medscape, 63 percent of those who suffer from migraines have at least one episode per month and 25 percent have one per week. A migraine can last anywhere from four hours to three days, or sometimes longer. Migraine headaches are the leading cause of employee absenteeism, resulting in a $13 billion to $17 billion lost in work productivity.

Types

• The American Headache Society defines three categories of acute migraine medications: analgesics, ergotamines and triptans. Analgesics, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, work on pain systems in general, not on pain specific pathways that are associated with migraine headaches. Ergotamines and triptans are more migraine specific by working on the pathways associated with migraines, and do not affect other pain pathways. Triptans are the most migraine specific and most effective of the three medication categories. Treatment choices for acute migraines should be based on severity of the headache, migraine frequency and other associated symptoms.

Benefits

• Taking medication to combat acute migraines can ease the intensity and length of the headache for the migraine sufferer leading to an overall improved quality of life. Since the burden of migraine headaches affects more than the sufferer, extending to loved ones, employers and society in general, treatment with medication can be the most important option in a migraine recovery plan. Combining medications with other forms of therapy such as massage or the use of cool packs can provide migraine sufferers with increased effectiveness and relief.

Prevention/Solution

• The Mayo Clinic states that nearly half of those who get migraines could benefit from preventative medication, but only approximately one in 10 people take it. Preventative medications are for people who suffer from two or more debilitating migraines per month, if pain relieving medications do not help attacks, and if migraine symptoms include numbness or weakness. They include certain cardiovascular drugs, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, botox, and cyproheptadine and can reduce the frequency, length and severity of migraines. Muscle relaxation exercises, regular exercise, meditation, yoga, adequate sleep and keeping a headache diary to recognize specific migraine triggers can all be beneficial in preventing migraines. In addition, alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage, biofeedback and certain herbs may prevent migraines and ease symptoms.

Warning

• Risks are associated with using prescription medications to treat migraines. Side effects of migraine medications vary depending on the specific drug but can include nausea, dizziness, rebound headaches, withdrawal symptoms, drowsiness and muscle weakness. Some medications should not be taken by pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, or children. Anyone suffering from migraine headaches should consult a physician about proper treatment and discuss thoroughly all possible risks and side effects from such treatment.