Medications for Migraine Relief

Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) not only helps relieve migraine headache, it also treats other symptoms of the migraine, including sensitivity to light/sound, nausea and vomiting. A patient is often able to return to normal activities of daily living. This medication can be taken as an injection, orally or as a nasal spray. The slowest relief, within 30 minutes, occurs with oral tablets (25 mg-100 mg). If relief does not occur within two hours, a second does of 25-100 mg may be taken. Additional doses may be taken at two-hour intervals. The maximum daily dose within 24 hours is 200 mg.

Relpax (eletriptan hydrobromide) is used as a rescue medication at the first signs and symptoms of a migraine. It helps to relieve all the classic symptoms of a migraine including pain, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light/sound. A patient is able to return to normal activities of daily living. This medication is available in oral form only, in 20 or 40 mg tablets. Relief begins to occur 30 minutes after ingestion. If the migraine headache is not relieved, an additional dose may be taken at least two hours after initial dosing to a maximum dose of 80 mg in 24 hours. Relpax should not be taken for more than four migraine occurrences in a month. Should your migraines occur more often, talk to your doctor regarding other possible medications for migraine relief or prevention.

Maxalt (rizatriptan benzoate) is used as a rescue medication at the first signs and symptoms of a migraine. It helps to relieve all the classic symptoms of a migraine including pain, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light/sound. Maxalt acts by constricting the affected blood vessels in the brain. Maxalt is available in 5-10 mg tablets and in orally disintegrating tablets of the same strength. If the first dose is ineffective, a patient may take an additional dose two hours later, for a maximum of 30 mg in 24 hours. Maxalt should not be taken for more than four migraine occurrences in a month. Should your migraines occur more often, talk to your doctor regarding other possible medications for migraine relief.

Fioricet (acetaminophen 325 mg/caffeine 40 mg/butalbital 50 mg) is a combination drug used to treat migraine and tension headaches. Acetaminophen treats the pain and caffeine increases the effectiveness of the acetaminophen and butalbital, a barbiturate, is a sedative that helps to decrease anxiety and promote relaxation. This drug is used when rescue remedies fail or the migraine headache has advanced too quickly to catch with a rescue medication. Fioricet should not be taken if you have taken an MAO inhibitor within the previous 14 days. Fioricet should be taken only as prescribed as there is a risk of liver damage from high doses of acetaminophen and patient dependence upon butalbital.

Topamax (topiramate) is used to prevent migraine headaches. According to the Physician's Desk Reference, the usual beginning daily dose is 25 mg, taken in the evening for the first week. Then 25 mg in the a.m. and p.m. for the second week; the third week, 25 mg in the a.m. and 50 mg in the p.m. The fourth week the dosage is 50mg in the morning and evening. Dosages may be adjusted for patients by their doctor according to need and medical history. Topamax carries a great deal of side effects, the most serious being high risk of seizure if the drug is discontinued abruptly. For a list of other possible side effects, consult the drug information pamphlets from your pharmacy.

Depakote (divalproex sodium) is used to prevent migraine headaches. According to the Physician's Desk Reference, the usual beginning daily dose is 250 mg in the delayed-release form, taken twice daily. Some patients may need up to 1,000 mg daily, but that will be increased over time under a doctor's supervision. Increasing the dosage is typically begun with 500 mg taken daily for a week before increasing to the 1,000 mg. Depakote must not be discontinued abruptly as there is a high risk of seizure involved. Depakote interacts with a number of over-the-counter medications, including aspirin. The pharmacist and your doctor should be consulted for a list of possible drug interactions

Patients should discuss with their doctor any increase in the frequency and strength of their migraines, as over time medications may lose their effectiveness or the nature of the migraines changes. Before taking any medication, patients should read the included drug information provided by their pharmacist for the most common side effects and signs of adverse reactions.