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The Curious Bag
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Migraine headaches are a chronic condition that causes pain, anywhere from four to 72 hours. They are sometimes accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea or vomiting. Treatment for migraines is either acute/abortive (to stop pain once it has already started) or preventive (to reduce frequency or severity of migraines.)
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Medications like ibuprofen or aspirin can help with moderate migraines. Drugs marked particularly for the treatment of migraines may include a combination of NSAIDs and caffeine.
Triptans
These drugs help relieve the pain of light and sound associated with migraines. Examples include Imitrex and Zomig.
Other Acute Treatments
Other remedies include anti-nausea medicines, butalbital combinations (a mixture of a sedative with aspirin or acetaminophen, and in some cases caffeine or codeine), and opiates (narcotics, usually codeine.)
Cardiovascular Drugs
To prevent migraines, heart medicines like beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and high blood pressure medication are sometimes used.
Antidepressants
Tricyclinc antidepressants, like Vivactil, appear to be the most effective at preventing migraines.
Other Preventive Treatments
Other drugs used to prevent migraines include anti-seizure drugs, cyproheptadine (an antihistamine) and Botox.
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