5 medication types to relieve migraine pain

When you have a migraine headache, all you want to do is be relieved of the pain. A migraine is debilitating and makes it nearly impossible to focus on the task at hand. These tips on medication for migraines will help.

If you suffer from migraines, your doctor will likely suggest several treatments, including medicine for addressing acute attacks, and another drug to relieve the pain if the first one doesn't work.
Finding the right medicine or combination of medicines is a trial-and-error process. In general, if a medicine knocks you out or takes more than four hours to work, it isn't right for you.
Here are some of the medications that your doctor might suggest to relieve your migraine pain.

These drugs slow down the activated nerves, inhibiting the release of inflammatory chemicals, and shrink swollen blood vessels, all of which play a role in causing your migraine.

Treximet combines the triptan sumatriptan (the ingredient in Imitrex) with naproxen.

Other triptans include rizatriptan (Maxalt), available in tablet and easy-melt tablet form; and zolmitriptan (Zomig) available in tablet, easy-melt tablet, and nasal spray form.
Triptans and most other abortive medications (meaning medications that stop the migraine once it has begun) can cause rebound headaches if taken consistently twice per week or more.

These drugs, including brands such as Ergomar, are sometimes paired with caffeine.
A compound related to ergotamine, called dihydroergotamine, is found in brands such as Migranal.

Available as tablets, injections, and also a nasal spray, they work by constricting blood vessels, which also releases pressure on the nerves generating the migraine.

Women whose migraines are triggered by changing levels of estrogen during their menstrual cycle may benefit from timed hormonal treatments. However, too much estrogen may act as a trigger, so talk to your doctor about appropriate doses. Birth control pills are another option.

If you have nausea or vomiting with your migraines, you may benefit from medications such as metoclopramide (Reglan, Octamide, Maxolon) or prochlorperazine (Compazine, Stemzine, and others).

These work by altering chemical messengers in the brain that affect nausea and vomiting. These drugs may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Narcotics such as codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone relieve pain but can be habit-forming, and are associated with a high risk of progression to chronic daily headaches. Narcotic pain relievers should be used only if other treatments are not effective.

If you suffer from regular migraines or a simply struick down every so often, your first instinct is to probably reach for your medication. These tips will help you and your doctor pick and choose the type that is best for you.