There are only two ways to treat a migraine:
- Prevent an attack
- Relieve symptoms once an attack occurs
Many people with migraine use both approaches. When trying to prevent attacks, some patients benefit from strategies such as exercise, relaxation, biofeedback, stress management, and avoiding their migraine triggers. Other patients take medicine, which can be extremely helpful both in preventing attacks and treating them when they occur.
Preventive, or prophylactic medicines to prevent attacks include the following (Beers, 1999, AAN, 2000):
- Antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
- Ergot alkaloids
- Anticonvulsants
- Calcium channel blockers
- NSAIDs
- Serotonin antagonists
- Other: feverfew, magnesium, vitamin B12
Medicines used to alleviate symptoms and treat acute attacks include:
- Ergot alkaloids and derivatives
- Triptans (5-HT1D receptor agonists)
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- NSAIDs
- Cox-2 inhibitors
- Opiate analgesics
- Barbituate hypnotics
- Antiemetics
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