WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Skip to content
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors

Migraines & Headaches Health Center

Select a topic to explore more.
Select An Article
Font Size
A
A
A

Migraine Treatment

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

Below are the treatments for migraines.

What Are Abortive Treatments for Migraines?

Abortive treatments for migraines 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-Acetominophen-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 No (injection) Yes (oral 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
1 | 2 | 3

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

Next Article:
webMD Video

click to show or hide video description  Foods That Trigger Migraines

If you're plagued with headaches and don't know why, step away from the refrigerator. The culprit could be the food you're eating.

Watch Video

click to show or hide video description  Migraine Surgery

click to show or hide video description  Is It a Sinus Headache?

click to show or hide video description  Sleep and Headaches

click to show or hide video description  Headache Emergencies

Most Popular Stories

Special Sections