migraines nausea
Migraines Nausea
Many people who experience migraines may also experience nausea during an attack. The level of nausea can range from mild to severe, and in some cases result in severe dehydration. Unfortunately, many migraine patients are not told they have options for treating the nausea that accompanies their migraines.
Before you consider taking prescription medicine to treat your migraine induced nausea it is important to understands that all prescription medications carry risk be that of side effects, interactions with other drugs or pre-existing conditions, strong withdrawal effects, etc. Only you and your doctor can decide if the risks outweigh the benefits.
Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Nausea
Metroclopramide (Reglan)
Metroclopramide reduces nausea by increasing the rate at which one’s stomach can empty by increasing muscular contractions in the the upper digestive tract. This medication is available in a fast dissolving oral form.Metroclopramide is not recommended for people with digestive tract problems including bleeding, holes, or blockages of any kind, those with seizures disorders, or people who have adrenal gland tumors. Metroclopramide is only intended for the short term treatment of nausea not for long term use.
Please note that some people will experience withdrawal side effects such as headaches, dizziness, or anxiety. Symptoms resulting from long term usage or higher than recommended doses includes tremors and uncontrollable muscle movements or stiffness.
Metroclopramide will not interact well with all medications, especially those that cause drowsiness (as this is also a side effect of the medication.) As there are other drugs that interact with Metroclopramide, always discuss your full medication history with your doctor – including over the counter medications.
Pregnant? Metroclopramide is a Pregnancy class B drug – meaning it is not believed to harm developing fetuses. However, never take medication during a pregnancy without consulting your doctor first. Additionally, Metroclopramide should not be taken by nursing mothers as this medication is known to pass into breast milk.
Promethazine (Phenergan)
Promethazine works to reduce nausea by affecting the chemicals in one’s brain. Drowsiness and dizziness is a significant side effect. Muscle tremors and twitches are also signs of possible overdose. Promethazine is a Pregnancy Class C drug and as such is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Promethazine also has numerous drug interactions including col/allergy medications, any kind of sedative/sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, anti-seizure medications, and medications for depression/anxiety. As such, always let your doctor know any and all medications you may be taking.
Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
Prochlorperazine is a dopamine blocker typically prescribed for severe nausea and vomiting. This medication is also frequently prescribed to treat schizophrenia and generalized anxiety. Common side effects include significant droswiness, dizziness, sensitivity to heat and sun. Prochloraperazine will not mix well with anything else that acts as a central nervous system depressant- this includes common prescription strength pain medications prescribed for migraines including barbiturates and narcotics – as well as alcohol. Pregnancy class unknown, discuss with your doctor.
Ondansetron (Zofran)
Ondansetron is a serotonin 5HT3 blocker commonly prescribed to treat the nausea that accompanies chemotherapy. This medication is beleived to work by blocking chemicals in one’s brain that can sometimes be the cause of nausea or vomiting. Ondansetron is frequently give via injection at one’s doctor’s office. This medication will cause significant drowsiness or dizziness. Pregnancy class unknown, discuss with your doctor.
