medication for migraine
Medication for Migraine: Preventative Medicines
Who are preventative medicines good for? People who get migraines more than four times per month, people who get severe migraines (even if less than four times per month,) and those people who do not get relief from abortive medications. Know this – preventative medications only work if you take them daily as prescribed. These medications do not work like abortive medications and will be useful if you try to take them only as migraines come on.
The first thing you need to know about preventative medicines is that they take time to begin working. Your doctor may require you to take a medicine for three months before determining that the medication does not work. The second thing you need to know about preventative medicines – they have side effects and information on these side effects may not be given to you by your doctor. Always assume there could be side effects and take steps to figure out what these are (but don’t go looking for problems you don’t have either.) Talk to your pharmacist, read the information that comes with your prescription, and do research online. Lastly, preventative medicines will not help every single person. Preventative medications are helpful in reducing 50-80% of migraine severity and duration in 50% of people.
If you do start taking preventative medications there are three important rules you need to follow:
- Follow you doctor’s instructions.
- Do not stop taking the drugs just because you see no benefit. If you feel the side effects you are experiencing warrant discontinuing the medication, please call your doctor.
- Do not start increasing your dosage without instruction from your doctor.
- NEVER share your medication with anyone.
Currently, there are many medications being used to prevent migraines. Here is a list of the most commonly prescribed medicines:
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- Blood pressure medications such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers work to reduce blood vessel spasms.
- Anti-seizure medications work by reducing neuron excitability in the brain.
- Depression medication works by increasing the availability of certain neurotransmitters.
What do you need to know about preventative medications?
In general preventative medications are considered safe but only under the direction of a qualified medical provider, as there are certain health conditions could make particular medications unsafe for you. Frequently the most reported side effects of this kind of medication includes sleepiness, increased depression, low blood pressure, weight gain, and memory problems.
