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Migraine Headache Medication
Options
There are two basic types of migraine headache medications;
those that stop the headache once it starts, and those that try
to prevent it. Either way, anyone who has suffered from
migraines knows that relief is the most important thing. Learn
more about the different medications for migraine
headaches.
Treating the Headache when it happens
If you suffer from migraine attacks, and choose to treat them
when they come, take the migraine headache medication them
minute you know the headache is coming. This will help to keep
your migraine from getting out of hand. If you get to the pain
before it becomes severe, try an aspirin or acetaminophen to
treat it. You will probably need extra doses, since migraine
pain is so severe. NSAIDs also work well for treating
migraines, if they are not severe. NSAIDs include medications
like Advil, but you may need a higher dosage prescribed by your
doctor.
Ergot compounds are migraine headache medications that work by
narrowing blood vessels that are enlarged when a migraine
attacks. There are serious side effects of these medications,
so the use of them is not as popular as it used to be. Doctors
are looking for new migraine headache medications, but
sometimes still prescribe certain ergot compounds, as they can
be highly effective.
Preventative Medications
There are many migraine headache medications on the market
today that claim to prevent migraine headaches. If they work
for the person suffering from migraines, this is the best route
to take. These medications are taken daily, whether or not
there is a headache. Often, they can cut the number of
headaches suffered each month by half.
One type of preventative migraine headache medications is the
beta-blocker medications. These are usually prescribed as heart
medications, but they also work for migraines. They prevent the
blood vessels from expanding or dilating with the migraine.
Calcium channel-blockers are another type of heart pill that is
prescribed for migraines.
Antidepressant medications also help prevent migraine
headaches. You can take an antidepressant for your headache
even if you are not suffering from depression. Anti-seizure
medications also sometimes work to help prevent migraines.
Migraines and seizures share some similarities, and the
medications seem to help both. Sometimes migraines are
accompanied by seizures, and through using anti-seizure
medications, you can treat both problems.
Finally, anti-serotonin medications work to treat migraine
headaches. These medications work on the chemicals in the
brain. By stabilizing the serotonin levels in the brain, the
migraines can often be prevented.
When studying the different migraine headache medication
options, always consult with your doctor. You may need to try
several medications before you find the one that works.
However, once you do, the relief is worth the wait. Talk to
your doctor today!
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