Migraine Treatment Options: The Top Medications For Fast and Effective Relief

Did you know migraines affect over one billion people worldwide, yet many sufferers never seek proper treatment? Migraines don’t just hurt your head but affect your overall well-being. They make simple daily tasks become overwhelming challenges. Fortunately, several migraine treatment options exist to help soothe the pain.

Treatment options for migraines include basic over-the-counter medications and more targeted specialized treatments. These treatment options can lessen the frequency of migraines or decrease their intensity. Migraine treatment options include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), triptans, dihydroergotamine (DHE), and some newer-generation meds such as lasmiditan, among others. Make sure you discuss medication options with your doctor. 

Top 6 Migraine Treatment Options 

Here are some of the most common medications for treating migraines: 

1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs treat mild to moderate migraine cases. The function of these drugs is to lower inflammation and block pain signals. NSAIDs provide the best results when taken at the start of a migraine. This timing helps stop the headache from escalating. 

The most frequently used NSAIDs for migraines are ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen sodium (Aleve®, Anaprox®). You can get these medications from pharmacies with or without a doctor’s prescription. Other effective NSAIDs include flurbiprofen, diclofenac potassium (Cataflam®, Voltaren®, Zipsor®), nabumetone, and mefenamic acid. 

These medications are safe when used appropriately, but excessive or long-term use can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, bleeding, increased blood pressure, and impact on kidney function. Abrupt stoppage of NSAIDs can also lead to rebound headaches. Follow the dosing instructions carefully and contact a healthcare professional when migraines become frequent, or when NSAIDs prove ineffective in preventing complications.

2. Triptans

Triptans are a class of medications used to treat migraines by activating serotonin receptors in the brain. Some examples of trypans include sumatriptan (Imitrex®), zolmitriptan (Zomig®), and rizatriptan (Maxalt®). These medications lessen migraine symptoms, like nausea and light/sound sensitivity, by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain pathways. Patients can access common triptans in tablets, nasal sprays, or injection forms. 

Patients usually get the best results from these medications when they take them right after migraine symptoms begin. However, triptans can cause side effects like dizziness and chest pain, which makes them unsuitable for people with heart problems because they narrow blood vessels. Some patients can also experience muscle weakness and flushing. 

Combining an NSAID with an oral triptan medication tends to deliver better results than using either medication by itself. Triptans can provide relief from migraine attacks, but they should not be used as a preventative treatment. Medical professionals can guide you to choose the correct triptan medication and dosage needed for effective treatment.

3. Dihydroergotamine 

Dihydroergotamine (DHT such as Migranal® and Trudhesa®) offers quick relief from migraine attacks. It comes in nasal spray, injection, and intravenous forms, which makes it perfect for patients who struggle with swallowing pills. It does not absorb well when taken orally. 

Besides delivering fast relief, dihydroergotamine (DHE) decreases the likelihood of a migraine returning within 24 hours. This means it also reduces the risk of medication overuse headaches.  Dihydroergotamine works best for people who get migraines when they wake up and those who experience menstrual migraines or extended severe migraines such as status migrainosus. 

People who find triptans ineffective should consider DHE as an alternative treatment. The FDA approves DHE also for cluster headache treatment, but its therapeutic benefits for this illness are still limited. For best results, patients should take DHE immediately when migraine symptoms appear. Some side effects associated with DHT use include chest pain and dizziness.

4. Lasmiditan

Doctors prescribe lasmiditan (Reyvow®) to manage migraine symptoms such as intense throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. This medication is classified as a selective serotonin receptor agonist. It prevents pain signals from reaching the brain and decreases nerve inflammation. 

Lasmiditan is effective for treating acute migraine attacks, but it does not prevent them or decrease their occurrence. Patients should take the medication orally immediately when experiencing migraine symptoms. They should only use one tablet for every 24 hours. 

It’s not advisable to take another dose if the migraine symptoms return after initially improving within the same day. The reason for this strict dosage is that your headaches may get worse or may occur more frequently if you take lasmiditan more often than recommended. Also, avoid taking lasmiditan in combination with other medications, as this can increase the risk of nausea and dizziness.

5. Intranasal Zavegepant

Zavegepant (Zavzpret®) is an innovative new method for managing migraines through its nasal spray delivery system. This intranasal spray is the only approved calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist for treating acute migraines in adult patients. 

Clinical trials show that Zavzpret® surpasses placebo performance with notable outcomes for pain and symptom relief. It relieves severe migraines within two hours of administration, and some patients noted that pain relief started as soon as 15 minutes after administration. 

People who want fast migraine relief will find this medication a promising solution. However, it’s not suitable for patients who have severe liver problems or who suffer from renal impairment with creatinine clearance levels below 30 ml/min. While the medication may be covered under most insurances, you may need to work with your doctor to submit a prior authorization to obtain approval for use.

6. Anti-Nausea Drugs

Nausea and vomiting often accompany migraines and worsen the condition. Doctors frequently prescribe anti-nausea medications known as antiemetics to counter these symptoms. These medications help to manage nausea and boost the performance of other migraine treatments. Their influence on other migraine treatment options makes them essential in comprehensive migraine treatment plans.

Common antiemetics include metoclopramide, prochlorperazine, and promethazine.  

• Metoclopramide works by improving gastric emptying and blocking dopamine receptors, which helps lower nausea levels. 
• The antipsychotic drug prochlorperazine is commonly used in migraine treatments whether the patient has nausea symptoms or not. 
• Promethazine is effective against vomiting and works especially well during acute migraine episodes. 

Antiemetic medications are available in multiple delivery methods, including oral tablets, suppositories, and injections. Doctors select treatment methods based on the severity of the symptoms and the patient’s capacity to retain medications in their system. 

Medications For Migraine Prevention

While many medications can be effective in the treatment of migraines, there are also other medications used primarily for migraine prevention. Some of these medications include anti-hypertensives such as beta-blockers (e.g., propranol) or calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil), anti-depressants (e.g., amitriptyline), anticonvulsants (e.g., topirimate), as well as new injectable options such as Botox. Please consult with your doctor to discuss options that may be suitable for you.

Conclusion

Migraines can be difficult to deal with but not impossible to treat. Effective treatment requires a combination of various migraine treatment options. While some medications help to provide instant relief from migraine attacks, others help decrease their frequency or even prevent them. 

Since there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating migraines, it’s highly important to discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider. They will consider your symptoms and responsiveness to medication to help create a comprehensive treatment plan.