Migraine Headache Medicine

There are many alternative therapies for treating migraines, but probably the first remedy most of us will turn to is over the counter or prescription migraine headache medicine.

Today we all look for quick answers in the shape of a pill, tablet or capsule to all our various ailments.

There is certainly nothing wrong with resorting to migraine headache medicine, but when it comes to migraines you should be especially careful about what kind they are.

ASPIRIN

Everyone knows about Aspirin for pain relief. It seems as though aspirin has been around forever and its reputation is improving every day now that it has become, when prescribed by a doctor, a contributing factor in preventative medicine for heart attacks.

Here are some facts to keep in mind when using aspirin as amigraine headache medication.

• Aspirin should never be given to children under 12

• Absorption of aspirin, when dissolved in water, is much more effective and the chances for stomach problems are significantly decreased

• Aspirin can be used in combination with codeine; however be aware that codeine often causes constipation and/or dizziness

PARACETMOL

• Similar to aspirin, but usually less irritating to the stomach lining

• Paracetamol is often used in combination with codeine or sedatives which often strengthens its ability to relieve pain

• If taken in excessive quantities Paracetamol can cause liver damage

SUMATRIPTAN (Imigran)

• SUMATRIPTAN (Imigran) is a prescription drug developed specifically to act against migraine headache

• It has been proven to be quite effective against migraine

• Imigram is available in tablet, injection and nasal spray forms

• Sumatriptan affects include chest and throat tightness and nausea

• If you are suffering from heart disease, poor circulation or angina you should avoid taking Sumatriptan

METOCLOPRAMIDE (maxalon)

• A prescription medicine used in combination with aspirin as an anti-nausea drug

• May improve the absorption of other migraine drugs

ERGOTAMINE (Ergodryl, Cafergot, Migral)

· Another effective prescription migraine medication, this one was originally derived from a fungus that grows on rye

· This migraine medication should not be used in individuals who suffer from heart angina. Dihydroergotamine (Dihydergot) is a similar drug that is given by injection

· Works by causing a narrowing of the arteries, which may worsen poor circulation

· Is often used in combination with caffeine in order to improve its effectiveness

· Unlike the other medications, this one is not a painkiller, but instead works specifically to reduce the pressure of blood vessels which causes migraine headaches

· It is available in both tablet and suppository form

· Has been known to cause nausea

PIZOTIFEN (Sandomigran)

• This is perhaps the most commonly prescribed preventative migraine medication

• Common side effects associated with pizotifen include sedation and weight gain

PROPRANOLOL (Inderal, Deralin)

• Originally introduced to treat high blood pressure

• Multiple side effects ranging from insomnia, depression and weight gain to nightmares, impotence, and dizziness due to low blood pressure

• May aggravate asthma and poor circulation, but is usually safe in heart disease and angina

• A few people experience problems in absorbing this drug, so high doses may be required

AMITRIPTYLINE (Tryptanol and other brands)

• The medication works on headaches independently of its antidepressant action

• Side effects include weight gain, occasionally blurred vision, dry mouth, sedation,constipation and bladder problems

• New antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac) and similar drugs are not as effective as headache preventatives

VALPROATE (Epilim)

• Introduced initially to treat epilepsy, but it was found to act against most forms of headaches

• Side effects include nausea, weight gain, tremor, liver injury and hair loss

FEVERFEW

• Not so much a migraine medication as an herbal extract that has been found effective for treating migraine pain

• Few side effects, but be aware that some commercial preparations of feverfew may be too weak to be active against headache.

METHYSERGIDE (Deseril)

• Methysergide is related to ergotamine

• Often causes upset stomachs and has also been known to cause dizziness and muscle aches

• When used over long periods of time, methysergide has caused severe scarring around the kidneys, therefore it must be used under strict medical supervision

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