Migraine 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 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 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 a migraine 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 medication 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 medication
May improve the absorption of other migraine medicines
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 medication 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 medication, 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 medications 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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