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Overview
Treating migraine symptoms with prescription drugs as the attacks occur is the usual course of action taken by physicians. Preventative courses of action may be taken almost daily in the form of stronger drugs to prevent the onset, frequency and length of severe migraine attacks that may be too difficult to keep under control with regular over-the-counter pain relievers or normal prescription drugs used for migraines.
Types
Several prescription drugs are used by doctors to lessen the severity of pain suffered during migraine attacks. These drugs include drugs belonging to the Triptan family such as Imitrex, Maxalt, Amerge, Frova and Zomig. Although these drugs are effective, they may have side effects including nausea, muscle weakness and dizziness. Rare side effects from the Triptans include heart attack and stroke.
Effects
Migraine relief medicine in the form of Ergomar has been successfully used for over 60 years although the medicine isn't as effective as the Triptans, it is less expensive. An ergot derivative medication called Dihydroergotamine has been found to be more effective than Ergomar with fewer side effects.
Considerations
Nausea symptoms or vomiting often occur with the migraine headache. Alleviating the feelings of nausea may be done with certain medications. Phenergan (promethazine) relieves nausea while at the same time encourages sleep, which is often needed after suffering a migraine attack. Metoclopramide given orally is often prescribed as an anti-nausea medication as is prochlorperazine, which may be given orally or via rectal suppository.
Sedatives
Occasionally a sedative, butalbital combined with either aspirin or acetaminophen to treat migraine although this treatment should be used infrequently to prevent withdrawal symptoms and rebound headaches.
Opiates
Narcotic substances are occasionally used to treat migraine headaches such as codeine; however, only as a last resort in sufferers unable to take triptans or ergots. Narcotics are only prescribed as a last measure because of the addictive nature of the drug.
Prevention/Solution
Preventative medications are prescribed to sufferers to reduce the severity of attacks as well as the duration and the frequency. Beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease actually are an effective medicine for migraine. Amitriptyline, protriptyline and nortriptyline are effective drugs for migraine sufferers even if they aren't suffering from depression. The anti-depressants work by interfering with serotonin and other associated brain chemicals directly affecting migraines.
Benefits
Anti-seizure medication such as Depakote and Topamax used to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy are effective for migraines. These drugs have side effects including nausea, hair loss, diarrhea dizziness and cramps.
