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Originally Posted by Prince
Since I don't suffer from them weekly, I'd prefer something that works on the attack itself, as opposed to preventive medicine.
Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions...anything's welcome.
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though i understand, preventive medicine is usually the best way to go.
in any event, there are a lot of treatments out there for migraine headaches. however, everyone doesn't respond to these medicines in the same way. in other words, what works for one person may not work for another (as the diff'rent strokes theme went "what might be right for you, may not be right for some")
abortive treatments (working on the attack itself):
- mild analgesics: nsaids (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs: ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen to name a few), acetaminophen (tylenol), cox 2 inhibitors (with all of the new studies, just stay away from them as they were never more efficacious at relieving pain then nsaids, and they were more expensive, and now they seem to have increased risk of heart attack and stroke). you won't need a prescription for nsaids or acetaminophen.
- triptans: these are serotonin agonists, and work at the pathophysiologic mechanism of the cause of the headache. usually well tolerated. however, you'll need a prescription, and they'll be more expensive than the nsaids or acetaminophen.
- ergotamine: used with or without caffeine. the studies seem to show this isn't very good treatment, as bioavailablity is poor (in either oral or rectal form), and no study with ergotamine has yet shown efficacy in relief of a migraine (that's not to say that no one responded to ergotamine, but that more people had no response). again, you'll need a prescription.
- antiemetics (anti-vomiting): work for some people, but is given intravenously or intramuscularly... which means doctor's office, only given acutely
- other medications: benzodiazepines, opioids, and barbituates can work; but are not likely to be given, as they have a higher abuse potential and are definitely not drugs that you want people to use chronically.
prophylactic treatment/preventive treatment
-beta blockers (propranolol)
-anti convulsants (valproate, gabapentin, topiramate)
- anti depressants (tricyclic antidepressants/tca's, and serotonin blockers)
- calcium channel blockers (verapamil)
migraines are tough, and as i said before, everything doesn't work for everyone.
if they effect you enough to impact your daily living, i would think that you should go to the doctor. i'm not sure where you reside, but many county hospitals are cheaper than private places, with the caveat being increased waiting time. i would say to ask around in your area. some family practitioners are willing to see patients for a reasonable cost.