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Pediatric Migraine Treatment Drugs

Approximately 10 percent of children suffer from migraines. The migraine may be associated with visual disturbances and/or nausea. Migraines are not simply an adult condition. Many children who suffer from these excruciating headaches need medication to help control the frequency and severity of them. Fortunately, there are several medications that can be helpful in the treatment of a migraine.

  1. Types of Drugs

    • In the October 2003 issue of The Journal of Family Practice, Heather Spry, M.D., Todd McDiarmid, M.D., and Jill Mayer, MLIS, report that propranolol, valproic acid and amitriptyline are effective prescription medications that can be used in the treatment of pediatric migraines. Cyproheptadine is commonly used by many physicians as a preventive. However, Spry, McDiarmid and Mayer suggest that amitriptyline and propranolol are more effective. Imitrex is also a commonly prescribed medication for treatment at the onset of the headache.

    When to Use Medication

    • If a child is having severe and frequent headaches, then prescription medication may be needed. Medications can be prescribed and can be given for use at the onset of the headache and to take on a daily basis as a preventive. Spry, McDiarmid and Mayer report that valproic acid has shown a 50 percent improvement with migraine symptoms.

    Function

    • Prescription drugs used to treat pediatric migraines are used in two ways. Once a migraine has started a medication may be given and diminish the headache and stop it before it worsens. Medications may also be given as preventives. These preventive medications reduce the frequency of the migraines. Both medications work together to help the child lead a life without living in fear of these headaches.

    Side Effects

    • In the October 2003 issue of Journal of Family Practice, Spry, McDiarmid and Mayer report that propranolol is the medication that has the fewest side effects followed closely by amitriptyline. Some children do report having some drowsiness when taking the preventatives, but this can be remedied by having the child take the medication at bedtime. If sleepiness occurs when taking a medication such as Imitrex that is given at the onset of the medication, letting the child have a period of rest is usually very helpful.

    Benefits

    • Treating a child who suffers from frequent migraines with a prescription medication is very beneficial. Children who suffer from common and recurrent migraines actually have a reduction in the number of headaches they suffer. This benefits the child by allowing them a more normal and pain-free life. The child and family do not have to live in fear of one of these headaches occurring.

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