Migraines are severe headaches that can last for days. Nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light often accompany the pain. Doctors can prescribe several medications to treat migraines by either preventing them from occurring, lessening severity and frequency or stopping them once they start.

Purpose of Acute Treatments

Acute treatments work to reduce the pain of current attacks. You typically take them once the headache starts and can use as needed. They address a variety of symptoms including pain and nausea.

Purpose of Preventive Treatments

If you suffer migraines at least twice a month, your doctor might recommend preventive medications; in most cases, you take them every day. These treatments can reduce the number and severity of attacks and enhance the effectiveness of acute treatments.

Acute Treatments

The most common acute medications are triptans (Imitrex, Zomig, Treximet), which ease pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Other treatments include ergotamine (similar to triptan), anti-nausea medications, butalbital combinations and opiates, which are considered a last resort due to their addictive nature.

Preventive Treatments

Preventive medications include high blood pressure medications, antidepressants, anti-convulsants, antihistamines and Botox injections. While these treatments typically address other conditions, they perform certain actions that help prevent migraines.

Considerations

If you find your current medications are not providing relief, talk to your doctor about trying new ones. It might take some experimenting to find the ones that are most effective for you.

Source:

WebMD: Migraines

The Mayo Clinic: Migraines