Effective Treatments for Migraines
Migraines can make it hard to go about daily activities, but there are treatments that can help, like Advil, an anti-inflammatory medication that may help relieve pain of migraines.
1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
For mild migraines, some people find relief with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as:
- Advil: Helps reduce pain and inflammation.
- Aspirin: Eases headache pain.
- Acetaminophen: Helps relieve pain but doesn’t reduce inflammation.
It’s important not to use these medications too often, as they can lead to “rebound" headaches, which are headaches that come back after the medicine wears off.
2. Prescription Medications
If over-the-counter medicines aren’t effective, doctors may prescribe stronger medications. Some common prescription medications for migraines include:
- Triptans: These drugs are designed specifically for migraines and work by narrowing blood vessels to reduce pain. Sumatriptan and rizatriptan are common examples.
- Ergotamine: Often combined with caffeine, this medication helps relieve migraine pain, but it works best if taken early on.
- Lasmitidan: A newer migraine medication that helps reduce pain without causing blood vessel tightening.
3. Preventive Medications
For people who have frequent migraines, preventive medications can help reduce how often they occur. Some preventive options include:
- Blood pressure medications: Certain blood pressure drugs, like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, can lower the frequency of migraines.
- Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, especially amitriptyline, help prevent migraines even for people without depression.
- Anti-seizure medications: Medications like topiramate and valproate can be effective in reducing migraines in some people.
These medications are taken daily to prevent migraines, rather than to stop them once they’ve started.
4. CGRP Inhibitors
CGRP inhibitors are a newer type of migraine treatment that blocks a protein involved in migraine attacks. Some common CGRP inhibitors are:
- Erenumab.
- Fremanezumab.
- Galcanezumab.
These drugs are usually given as an injection once a month. They can help reduce the number of migraines for people who haven’t had success with other treatments.
5. Botox Injections
Botox injections can also help people who suffer from chronic migraines (more than 15 headache days a month). During this treatment, Botox is injected into specific areas around the head and neck. This helps reduce the frequency of migraines by relaxing muscles and blocking pain signals.
Botox treatments are generally given every 3 months.
6. Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
In addition to medications, certain lifestyle changes and home remedies can help manage migraines. Here are a few tips:
- Regular sleep: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Stress management: Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing or yoga.
- Healthy diet: Eating balanced meals and avoiding trigger foods (such as caffeine, alcohol or processed foods) can help reduce migraines.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can trigger migraines, so be sure to drink plenty of water.
- Cold compress: Placing a cold pack on your forehead or the back of your neck can help relieve pain.
7. Alternative Treatments
Some people find relief from migraines with alternative treatments, which can be used alongside other treatments:
- Acupuncture: This involves placing tiny needles at specific points in the body and may help reduce migraine frequency.
- Massage therapy: Massaging the neck and shoulders can help relieve tension that may contribute to migraines.
- Herbal supplements: Some people find supplements like magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2) or feverfew helpful in preventing migraines. Always check with a doctor before trying any supplement.
Signs and Symptoms of Migraines
Migraines often come with a range of symptoms, which may vary from person to person. Here are some common signs:
Throbbing or pulsing headache that usually affects one side of the head
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light and sound.
- Seeing flashes of light or “aura" (a visual disturbance) before the headache starts.
- Dizziness or blurred vision.
Migraines can be difficult to manage, but with the right treatment plan, many people can reduce the number and severity of their headaches. If you think you have migraines, talk to a doctor to find the best treatment options for you.