Two kinds of medicines can be used for the treatment of migraines:
Medicines to stop a migraine. These are sometimes called abortive medicines.
Medicines to prevent migraines. These drugs are often called preventive medicines.
In most cases, your doctor will first prescribe a drug that causes the fewest side effects. Drugs may be prescribed based on your type of migraine.
Drugs used to stop a migraine include:
- Ergotamine derivatives, such as Cafergot.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
- Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example).
- Some over-the-counter medicines (for example, Excedrin) combine acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.
- Triptans (serotonin receptor agonists), such as sumatriptan (Imitrex) and zolmitriptan (Zomig).
Drugs used to prevent migraines include:
- Anticonvulsants, such as topiramate.
- AntidepressantsAntidepressants, such as amitriptyline.
- Antihistamine , such as cyproheptadine.
- Beta-blockers, such as propranolol.
- Botulinum toxinBotulinum toxin, such as Botox.
- Calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil.
- Histamine.
Finding the right mix of medicines for you may take some time. So work closely with your doctor to try different medicines and doses.
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