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Migraines & Headaches Health Center

Migraines & Headaches Guide

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Migraines & Headaches Health Center

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Drugs to Treat Migraine Headaches

Medication for migraine headaches can relieve the pain and symptoms of a migraine attack. Other medications can prevent further migraine attacks.

Below are the treatments for migraines.

What Are Abortive Drugs for Migraines?

Abortive drugs are used at the first sign of a migraine and can stop the process that causes the headache pain after it has started. By stopping the headache process, these medications help prevent common symptoms of migraines such as pain, nausea, and sound and light sensitivity. Some medications should not be used during a migraine aura; please follow the instructions of your doctor.

The following medications are used to stop the migraine headache process:

Category	Generic Name	Brand Name	May be used during an aura?	Possible Side Effects
Over-the-counter	Ibuprofen	Motrin		Stomach upset
	Aspirin-Acetaminophen-Caffeine	Excedrin Migraine, Excedrin, Goody's		Heartburn Anxiety Insomnia Allergic reaction Liver Damage Blood in stool or vomit Dizziness Easy bruising
	Naproxen	Aleve		Gastrointestinal upset Gastrointestinal bleeding Nausea Vomiting Rash Liver damage
Ergot	dihydroergotamie	DHE-45 injection Migranal intranasal	Yes -- as indicated for Migranal intranasal only	Nausea Numbness of fingers and toes
Vasoconstrictor Combination	acetaminophen isometheptene mucate dichloralphenazone	Midrin, Duradrin	Yes	Sedation Nausea
Triptans	sumatriptan succinate	Imitrex injection, oral, or intranasal Zecuity skin patch	No (injection); Yes (oral, patch, or intranasal)	Head, jaw, chest, and arm discomfort, tightening or tingling Throat discomfort Muscle cramps Flushing
	zolmitriptan	Zomig	Yes	Head, jaw, chest, and arm discomfort, tightening or tingling Throat discomfort Muscle cramps Flushing
	rizatriptan	Maxalt	Yes	Head, jaw, chest, and arm discomfort, tightening or tingling Throat discomfort Muscle cramps Flushing
	naratriptan hydrochloride	Amerge	Yes	Head, jaw, chest, and arm discomfort, tightening or tingling Throat discomfort Muscle cramps Flushing
	almotriptan	Axert	Yes	Head, jaw, chest, and arm discomfort, tightening or tingling Throat discomfort Muscle cramps Flushing
	frovatriptan	Frova	No	Head, jaw, chest, and arm discomfort, tightening or tingling Throat discomfort Muscle cramps Flushing
	Eletriptan	Relpax	Yes	Chest tightness Dizziness Dry mouth Headache Nausea Numbness and tingling Sleepiness Jaw, throat discomfort