Your Options in Migraine Medicine
Migraines can be a frustrating condition for many who suffer from these painful headaches with any type of frequency. Migraines can mean missed workdays and a lower quality of life overall. The good news is that there are many options in migraine medicine today, and they can be quite effective at keeping these difficult symptoms at bay and allowing migraine sufferers to enjoy more symptom-free days. If you are dealing with the challenge of frequent migraines, it might be time to see your doctor to find out which migraine medicine might be the right one for you.
Preventative Care
The first type of migraine medicine that your doctor might look at for you is one that will work as a preventative aid to decrease the frequency and intensity of the attacks. These migraine medicines might include beta blockers or other types of medications that are also used to control hypertension, because they can help to reduce the incidence of migraines as well. Antidepressants also can be effective in reducing the number of migraines, as can anti-seizure drugs and certain types of antihistamines. For some, taking this medication daily can lessen the episodes of migraines, and make the headaches that do still occur easier to treat. For others, they will simply take the medicine when they experience a trigger like the start of the menstrual period.
Attacking the Pain
Other types of migraine medicine are used for the purpose of attacking and eliminating the pain once it begins. The most frequently used migraine medicine for pain relief is nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's), like ibuprofen or aspirin. You may be able to use the over the counter variety for milder migraines, or your doctor can prescribe a stronger dose for more stubborn headaches. Triptans are another popular choice in migraine medicine, because these drugs can eliminate numerous migraine symptoms including sensitivity to light and nausea in addition to the pain. Another possible migraine medicine is opiates, which is generally only used as a last resort because they can be addictive.
If you are suffering with the debilitating pain of migraines on a frequent basis, talk to your doctor about your options in migraine medicines. Your doctor may decide to put you on a daily medication that will reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches, or he may opt to give you a solution that will alleviate the pain once it begins. Either way, you may be on your way to more pain-free days and a higher quality of life.
