migraine prescription medication
Migraine Prescription Medication
Despite the fact that today there are more migraine prescription medications than ever before, most headache and migraine suffers do not know that there are treatment options available. Why is this? In general migraines are still not treated as a high priority medical condition and as such there not a lot of widespread public knowledge, nor are primary care providers necessarily aware of the latest treatment.
If you are currently suffering from migraines and you have not felt any relief using over the counter pain medication, make an appointment to speak with your doctor about your migraine prescription medication options.
The Most Common Types of Migraine Prescription Medication
Migraine Prescription Medication: Pain Relief
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
When you think of NSAIDs, most likely you think of over the counter pain relievers like Advil. Your doctor is actually able to prescribe NSAIDS of two kinds COX-1 and COX2 inhibitors. What do these medications do? NSAIDs block the chemicals that cause inflammation. Common prescription NSAIDs include diclofenac, meloxicam, nabumetone, and celecoxib. The most common side effects of NSAIDs are usually gastrointestinal in nature and can range from mild to extreme.
Narcotics
Narcotics are essentially very powerful pain medications that reduce your perception of pain. The main danger with narcotics (other than impaired function due to feelings of dizziness or drowsiness) is the risk of addiction. For this reason many doctors are reluctant to prescribe these types of pain medications for anything other than emergency use. The most common narcotics include oxycodone (similar to morphine), hydrocodone, and propoxyphene. The most common prescriptions combine narcotics and other pain killers such as acetaminophen examples include Darvocet, Vicodin, and Percocet (acetaminophen plus oxycodone).
Problems with narcotic drugs include addiction, powerful withdrawal symptoms, and dangerous side effects when combined with alcohol. Pregnant women, or women who may become pregnant should not use narcotics as they have not been proven to be safe for unborn babies. Narcotics may also become dangerous when combined with other prescription medications such as sedatives, tranquilizers, and antidepressants. Always make sure you are fully informed regarding drug interactions if you already take prescription drugs for other conditions.
Barbiturates
Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants and like narcotics, these are serious drugs that can act as powerful sedatives and also run the risk of physical addiction. The most commonly prescribed barbiturates for headaches and migraines are typically a combination of acetaminophen, caffeine, and barbiturates (example – Fioricet.)
Migraine Prescription Medication: Abortives (Stop Migraine Attacks)
Ergot Alkaloids
Ergot Alkaloids are derived from a fungus called Ergot which grows on rye and other grains. Ergotamine and other derivatives are frequently prescribed to treat migraines as they are able to mimic the behavior of several neuropeptides and works a a vasoconstrictor (causes blood vessels to constrict.) Ergots are meant to relieve migraine attacks that are still in the early stages, this medication is not taken daily in order to prevent migraines. Ergots have now largely fallen out of favor due to their likelihood of causing rebound headaches with repeated use.
Triptans
Triptans work to relive migraine attacks by blocking serotonin receptors and reducing blood vessel inflammation. Like Ergots, Triptans are meant to stop a migraine attack, not prevent one. Triptans are generally considered safe except for pregnant or nursing women, those with vascular or cardiovascular conditions. If used excessively, Triptans will also trigger rebound headaches so be sure to use sparingly.
