Medications Used to treat Migraines

There are a number of drugs that play an effective role in treating migraines. These drugs can be brought into two major categories; preventive medications and pain relievers. Each of these is different and is prescribed to patients depending upon the condition of their migraines. Here is a list of some of the most common drugs, falling in the three categories.

Preventive Medications

If you have been suffering from headaches that are caused by stress, hormonal changes or by any triggering factor, then you need to treat them effectively, before they take on the full form of migraines. Hereditary migraine is an exception for preventive treatment, but other factors can be kept in controlled, otherwise, they would take the drastic form of migraines. Common forms of preventive medications are beta blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants and methysergide.

a). Propranolol
This is a common preventive drug that is administered for people suffering from blood pressure problems. The drug is generically known as Inderal LA and has a track record of 30 years to effectively prevent migraine from occurring. It is a beta blocker that treats high blood pressure, cardio conditions and prevents migraine development. It blocks chemicals released by the body that could trigger head as well as chest pain. The medication is taken under a prescribed dosage of usually 2 to 3 times a day and should not be suddenly stopped without consultation from the doctor. Propranolol could cost less than $25 a month.

b). Divalproex Sodium
People who could develop migraine because of seizure attacks should take Divalproex Sodium. This reduces the frequency as well as intensity of migraines. The drug’s brand name is Depakote and is a generic drug that is not very expensive. It is to be taken once or at most twice daily but under strict medical supervision.

c). Lisinopril
This drug is known to effectively control blood pressure and prevent cardio conditions. Because of its ability to prevent blood pressure, it also controls hypertension, which in turn helps in preventing the outbreak of migraine.

Pain Relief Medications

For those suffering from painful migraines, here are drugs that you should know about.

a). Tramadol
Also known as Ultram, Tramadol is a powerful migraine pain reliever. Tramadol should be taken under very strict medical supervision as it could lead to dependency, because of its strong narcotic effect. Usually doctors recommend taking this drug only when the pain is strikes and is hard to control. It should not be taken on daily basis. Only people who have once or twice attacks of migraines in a month should take this medicine.

b). Vicoprofen
Generically known as Ibuprofen or Hydrocodone, it is also an effective pain reliever, but this is of not as a severe form as that of Tramadol. Ibuprofen is a common over the counter drug and can be taken to relieve headaches. A typical Vicoprofen box would cost you $33, containing of 30 tablets. It is to be taken two to three times a day.

c). Imitrex
Imitrex is meant for severe migraines. It has been powerful enough to help people be rid of their migraines for a long time to come. It has mild side effects and costs around $15/pill. Again take only as prescribed by the doctor.