Migraine medication can provide much-needed relief during an attack or help to prevent future ones. With over-the-counter and prescription options available, there’s bound to be something suitable available.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the best options available for acutely treating migraine. You can take these in pill, liquid, nasal spray or skin patch form.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
One of the main types of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications available today is acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen works by acting directly on the brain to reduce pain and fever while simultaneously inhibiting an enzyme that produces prostaglandins that irritate nerve endings leading to pain. Meanwhile, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and aspirin all work similarly. These medications help alleviate headaches, menstrual cramps, backaches muscle aches colds flu symptoms or arthritis pain.
As is true with any medication, OTC medicine should only be taken when necessary and as directed. Be mindful of other medicines you’re taking and their potential interactions with OTC medicines; if OTC medication doesn’t relieve your pain, consult with a health care professional; they may recommend something better tailored for your individual needs; additionally if pain persists beyond an acceptable threshold contact your provider as further diagnostic testing may be necessary – OTC medications should only be used short-term relief from mild to moderate discomfort.
Prescription medications
There are various prescription drugs that may help relieve pain and other symptoms associated with migraine, such as:
Triptans — medications designed to block pain pathways in the brain. Taken orally or as injections during an attack, triptans typically work quickly compared to traditional pain relievers such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen, often providing quick relief without side effects or risks such as an increased heart attack risk or stroke risk; they should only be considered by individuals at higher risk such as having certain digestive issues or being on blood thinners.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists, more commonly referred to as gepants, can also help treat migraines. Two drugs approved for this use – Ubrogepant and Rimegepant – have proven successful during clinical trials and may be taken by mouth or injection; however their use should be restricted due to potential serious adverse side effects.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs work by blocking an enzyme responsible for inflammation, providing instantaneous relief from migraine pain. You can take them with food to minimize stomach irritation; typically within an hour they begin working their magic.
Naproxen (available over-the-counter) is an effective NSAID that can provide relief for migraine sufferers. You can either take it in pill form or liquid. Injections like Sumatriptan or Dihydroergotamine (DHE) may provide quicker relief as they bypass digestion.
While NSAIDs can be an effective treatment option, they don’t always work for everyone. When the medication doesn’t provide relief it may lead to overuse causing rebound headaches. Therefore it is essential that consumers follow all product label instructions in order to minimize risks of serious side effects and follow any applicable clinical or psychiatric factors that predict responses to NSAIDs for migraine management so as to optimize individual medication strategies.
Botox
Studies demonstrate the efficacy of Botox injections as an effective solution to chronic migraines by decreasing headache frequency. When administered into muscles surrounding the head and neck, Botox relaxes them so they won’t compress nerve triggers that lead to migraine headaches.
This treatment shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for abortive medications and patients should continue taking triptans and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but can be used in tandem with them for the most severe headaches.
Onabotulinum toxin A (Botox), is an effective tool for managing migraines when administered by qualified medical professionals. Plastic surgeons, dermatologists and headache specialists are typically the experts when it comes to administering Botox injections; however, neurologists or headache specialists may also perform injections using CGRP monoclonal antibodies; however they require self-administration every month, making them less compliant than Botox due to self-administration requirements; however their cost may make these injections prohibitive for many individuals as they cause muscle weakness as well as eyelid drooping which limits their usage further.
