Migraines are debilitating headaches that can be treated in a number of ways. Doctors must diagnose migraines, though it is believed that the disease is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The American Migraine Study says that 23 million people over age 12 suffer from migraines. Three kinds of medications can help all of these sufferers: preventive, abortive and rescue.
Identification
Migraine headaches are usually accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights and loud sounds and they worsen with physical activity. They have a pulsating quality and last between 4 to 72 hours without treatment.
Types
The three types of migraine medicines are:
Preventive - medications or habits, like avoiding triggers that prevent the migraine attack from happening in the first place,
Abortive - medications that end the attack sooner and/or lessen its severity, and
Rescue - medications that lessen the pain of an attack, used when abortive medications fail or when they can't be taken.
Preventive Medications
There are only four approved preventive medications: Inderal and Blocaden, beta-blockers, Topamax and Depakote, neuronal stabilizing agents.
Abortive Medications
Abortives reverse the inflammation of nerves and tissues and the dilation of blood vessels. Some common abortive medications are Imitrex, Maltax, Treximet, Axert and Frova.
Rescue Medications
Rescue medications are usually pain medications, but they can also be muscle relaxants or antinausea medications. Some prescribed pain medications are Percocet, Vicodin, Toradal and Fiorinal. Muscle relaxants include Zanaflex and Skoma. Reglan and Compazine are antinausea medications.
Tags: abortive medications, antinausea medications, medications that, pain medications, Rescue medications