Approximately 11 out of every 100 people experience migraines, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Although there is no cure for migraines, medications are available to help reduce the discomfort associated with this type of headache.

Types

Pain-relieving medications are drugs taken to alleviate the pain of a migraine once it occurs. Preventative medications help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Classes of Medications

Pain-relieving medications for migraines include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, triptans like sumatriptan, ergots like dihydroergotamine and opiates like meperidine. Preventative medications include cardiovascular drugs like verapamil and candesartan, antidepressants like nortriptyline and venlafaxine and anti-seizure drugs like topiramate.

Severity of Migraines

NSAIDs block the production of chemicals in your body that contribute to sensations of pain known as prostaglandins, explains the University of Virginia, that decrease the discomfort of mild to moderate migraines. More severe migraines accompanied by sensitivity to light and nausea respond better to triptans and ergots, and opiates are typically reserved for migraines that are not helped by other drugs.

Risks

Pain-relieving migraine medications pose a risk for side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding, dizziness and muscle weakness, and opiates may cause physical dependence with prolonged use, cautions the Mayo Clinic. Preventative medications have the potential to cause drowsiness, light-headedness, changes in libido, weight gain, blurred vision, vomiting, diarrhea and hair loss.

Considerations

Your doctor may need to prescribe different combinations of pain-relieving and preventative drugs to best control your symptoms while causing the fewest side effects.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Migraine-Treatments

Mayo Clinic: Tricyclic Antidepressants

National Headache Foundation: Facts About Triptans

More Information:

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Migraine

Migraine Awareness Group: Drug Profiles-Demerol