roate sodium (Depacon), topiramate (Topamax), or gabapentin
- tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
- antihistamines, such as cyproheptadine
- beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) and
timolol (Betimol), among others
- anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen
- Botulinum toxin A (Botox) is a toxin secreted by
a bacterium that has been used for years to treat muscle contracting disorders
and is commonly known for its ability to treat wrinkles. Botox was approved in
the United States to prevent migraines in 2010. To treat migraines, Botox is
injected into muscles of the forehead and neck and usually only needs to be
repeated every three months.
There are also medications available to treat an attack that
has already started:
- Pain-relieving medications such as analgesics
and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include ibuprofen
(Motrin) or drugs marketed specifically for migraines such as Excedrin Migraine.
- Triptans, including sumatriptan (Imitrex) and
- Ergots, including ergotamine and caffeine
combination drugs such as Cafergot.
- Anti-nausea medications, which are usually
combined with other medications.
What Alternative Therapies Are Available for Treating Migraines?
Nontraditional or alternative treatments may be helpful for
people who suffer from chronic migraines. They are aimed at relieving migraine
pain. Alternative therapies include the following:
- acupuncture: a therapist skilled in acupuncture
inserts thin needles into certain defined points in your skin
- biofeedback techniques: a relaxation technique
that helps you learn to control physical responses related to stress and muscle
tension and pain; once you learn the techniques, they can be practiced anywhere
- herbal products, including butterbur and
feverfew, have been shown (with mixed results) to prevent or reduce the
severity of migraines
- vitamins such as riboflavin (vitamin B2),
magnesium, and coenzyme Q10
Talk to your doctor before attempting to use an herbal or
vitamin supplement for your migraines. Don't use feverfew, riboflavin, or
butterbur if you're pregnant.
Many people who suffer from migraines learn from experience
what needs to be done to get through a migraine attack. They may lie down in a
dark room, take a nap, or apply cold packs to their forehead. Sometimes that’s
enough to treat their migraine.
For others, however, migraines are more difficult to control
or prevent and happen too often. Talk to your doctor about which treatment is
right for you if you’re experiencing frequent migraine attacks. Medications, in
combination with lifestyle changes and avoidance of migraine triggers, may be
the key to treating your migraines.