Prescription Migraine

Prescription Migraine Medication Treatments

Three million Canadians were diagnosed with migraines in 2015/2016, according to research by Statistics Canada. Other research suggests that over 80% were women. In fact, women are three times as likely to get migraines than men. Yet, men are more likely to get “cluster headaches,” very severe but short-lasting headache attacks that are extremely intense and worse than tension headaches and migraines. In America, 36 million people suffer from migraines, which is 12% of the population.

Migraines Vs. Headaches

There are roughly 250 different headaches, including chronic and tension headaches that can be extremely painful, but migraines are different. The pain is excruciating with migraines, and unlike most headaches, it doesn’t go away quickly. Migraines can persist for days, even weeks, and often occur with other symptoms, such as vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, and more. When a person experiences a migraine, they are usually put out of commission until it goes away, as it can devastate some.

Migraine Symptoms

• Pain that can be moderate to severe, stemming from one side or both sides of the head
• Throbbing head pains
• Pain that increases when engaging inactivity or struggling to complete a task
• The sick feeling associated with nausea and/or vomiting
• Sensitivity to sound and light
• Seeing streams of light known as an aura (usually comes before a migraine

The good news is some medications can help ease the pain and symptoms caused by migraines.

Migraine Treatments

Several over-the-counter medications are used to get rid of headaches that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen, such as Tylenol, Naproxen, Advil, or Aleve. Which to take depends on the type of headache you are experiencing. While ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatories may help with some mild migraines, they usually won’t do anything in more severe cases where something stronger is required. Some doctors prescribe medications, like zolmitriptan or sumatriptan, for more persistent problems. Metoclopramide is sometimes used when the migraine is associated with vomiting and nausea, and SSRI tricyclic antidepressants can also help counter symptoms. Some migraine patients find relief in hot or cold compresses placed on the head or neck or massages. Others say that caffeine taken in small amounts along with aspirin is effective, and some natural supplements may also be helpful, such as vitamin B-12, Coenzyme Q10, riboflavin, and magnesium citrate. Another remedy that has become quite popular among migraine sufferers is feverfew and other herbal extracts. Most migraine sufferers confine themselves to a dark, quiet room to try to rest. You may also be able to beat migraines by doing the following:

• Making some lifestyle changes may help counter migraines
• Reducing stress influences
• Getting quality and sufficient sleep
• Doing vigorous exercises regularly
• Avoiding certain foods like those that contain gluten
• Drinking plenty of water

Finally, surgery may be the last resort when all else fails. Doctors may administer Botox injections into the nerves linked to migraine attacks, known as the extracranial sensory branches of your cervical and trigeminal nerves. However, these injections are a long way off from a way to treat migraines in everyone.