| Essential Medications For Migraine |
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Aspirin is the grand old standby for pain relief. It seems as though aspirin has been around forever and its reputation is getting better every day as it has become a recommended daily preventative measure against heart attacks. Here are some thing to keep in mind when using aspirin to treat migraines. • Aspirin should never be given to children under 12. • Absorption of aspirin is much more effective and the chances for stomach problems are significantly decreased when dissolved in water. • Aspirin can be used in combination with codeine; however be aware that codeine often causes constipation and/or dizziness. PARACETAMOL • Similar to aspirin, but usually less irritating to the stomach lining. • Is often used in combination with codeine or sedatives which often strengthens its ability to relieve pain. • Paracetamol can cause liver damage if taken in excessive quantities. SUMATRIPTAN (Imigran) • 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 effects include nausea, and chest and throat tightness. • Sumatriptan should be avoided by those suffering from heart disease, poor circulation or angina. 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 drug, this one was originally derived from a fungus that grows on rye. • 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. • Is often used in combination with caffeine in order to improve its effectiveness. • It is available in both tablet and suppository form • Has been known to cause nausea. • Works by causing a narrowing of the arteries, which may worsen poor circulation. • This medication should not be used in individuals who suffer from heart angina. Dihydroergotamine (Dihydergot) is a similar drug that is given by injection. PIZOTIFEN (Sandomigran) • This is perhaps the most commonly prescribed preventative medication for migraines. • 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. • Some 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 dry mouth, sedation, weight gain, occasionally blurred vision, 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, it was found to act against most forms of headaches. • Side effects include weight gain, nausea, tremor, hair loss and liver injury. FEVERFEW • Not so much a medication as an herbal extract that has been found effective for treating migraine headache. • 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 muscle aches and dizziness. • When used over long periods of time, methysergide has caused severe scarring around the kidneys, therefore it must be used strict medical supervision. Related Articles |
