Migraines are severe, debilitating headaches that can last from hours to days. Their triggers include certain foods, alcohol or caffeine consumption, changes in barometric pressure, light, sound or strong scents.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen may provide some relief for migraine pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also provide comfort.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medicines are an effective starting point in treating migraine headaches. These over-the-counter medicines do not require a valid prescription; simply follow their label instructions when taking. Some over-the-counter migraine products like Excedrin contain aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine for pain relief purposes.
These products contain NSAIDs which have been linked with potential bleeding risks. Aspirin may increase Reye’s syndrome risk in children under 19, so those under 19 should not consume it. Acetaminophen has also been associated with liver problems and should only be taken in high doses for extended periods.
OTC migraine medications should mainly be used to address headaches that have already started rather than prevent their occurrence, unlike prescription like triptans that target their cause directly. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult a physician prior to choosing OTC migraine medicine for your own headache treatment plan.
Prescription Medications
Migraine pain and symptoms tend to be more intense than typical headaches, making it essential that you consult your physician on a treatment plan together.
Doctors can prescribe medication like NSAIDs and triptans to treat symptoms during a migraine attack. These medicines work by decreasing inflammation and dilatation blood vessels to provide relief from your symptoms, whether through pills, nasal sprays or injections such as Aimovig or Mirapex (erenumab and fremanezumab respectively).
Antiseizure medications and beta-blockers may also help treat migraines by decreasing frequency and intensity of headache attacks. Beta-blockers, often prescribed to reduce high blood pressure, have been proven to help decrease stress hormone effects on blood vessels that contribute to migraine pain. Triptans bind serotonin receptors on neurons to block pain pathways in the brain – typically taken either orally or nasally in tablet form or nasal spray form for effective results (eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan Axert or Maxalt).
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes may also help with improving migraine symptoms, including getting enough rest, eating healthily and staying hydrated.
Sleep deprivation can often be the source of migraine symptoms. To ensure maximum benefit from each night of restful restful slumber and to improve quality of restful restful slumber it is ideal to follow a consistent sleep schedule and aim for seven or more hours each night – keeping bedroom dark and quiet, eliminating electronic devices before sleeping, exercising regularly can all improve quality sleep quality and help restore restfulness.
Stress can also be a migraine trigger, so exercise, yoga, tai chi and meditation can all be great ways to lower levels of tension.
Migraine patients who consume too little water run the risk of dehydration, which can exacerbate migraine attacks. Increasing daily water intake is one of the easiest lifestyle changes they can make and usually yields positive results almost immediately; US adults should consume approximately 11.5 cups daily of fluid.
Other Options
Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, ginger and certain essential oils have proven useful in providing relief for migraine sufferers. Furthermore, adequate sleep has proven useful in helping avoid migraine attacks altogether.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy in which needles are used to relieve pain. A 2020 review of clinical trials indicates it could reduce migraine episodes in some people.
Some herbal supplements, like butterbur and feverfew, may help prevent migraines or reduce their severity. Before trying any new herb or supplement, always consult your physician first.
Exercise has been shown to alleviate stress and prevent headaches in some people, however you should consult your physician prior to engaging in any new form of physical activity.
Acupuncture may help ease migraines, though research is mixed on its efficacy. If you decide to give it a try, make sure your licensed practitioner uses sterilized needles and has experience treating headaches. Massage therapy, including acupressure (applying pressure to specific points on the body such as the “zhong zhu (pronounced Tee EHWU”) point between pinky and ring fingers), may also be effective.
