Medications That Stop Migraines_ Acute Treatments

Medications That Stop Migraines: Acute Treatments

When it comes to stopping a migraine attack in progress, several types of medications can provide relief. These acute treatments are designed to be taken at the onset of migraine symptoms. Here's a comprehensive list of medications commonly used to stop migraines:

Triptans:

Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

Zolmitriptan (Zomig)

Eletriptan (Relpax)

Almotriptan (Axert)

Frovatriptan (Frova)

Naratriptan (Amerge)

Triptans are often considered the gold standard for acute migraine treatment. They work by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain.

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Ergotamines:

Dihydroergotamine (DHE)

Ergotamine with caffeine (Cafergot)

These medications are effective but can have more side effects than triptans. They're often used for longer-lasting migraines.

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Gepants:

Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy)

Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT)

These newer medications block the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, which is involved in migraine pain.

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Ditans:

Lasmiditan (Reyvow)

This is a new class of migraine medication that works on serotonin receptors but doesn't constrict blood vessels.

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NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs):

Ibuprofen

Naproxen

Aspirin

Diclofenac

These over-the-counter and prescription medications can be effective for milder migraines.

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Combination Medications:

Acetaminophen/Aspirin/Caffeine (Excedrin Migraine)

Sumatriptan/Naproxen (Treximet)

These combine different types of pain relievers for enhanced effectiveness.

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Anti-nausea Medications:

Metoclopramide (Reglan)

Promethazine

Ondansetron (Zofran)

These can help with nausea associated with migraines and may also have pain-relieving properties.

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Opioids:

Codeine

Hydrocodone

These are generally used as a last resort due to the risk of dependence and other side effects.

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Neuromodulation Devices:

While not medications, devices like Cefaly (external trigeminal nerve stimulation) and gammaCore (non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator) can provide acute relief for some patients.

The effectiveness of these treatments can vary from person to person. It's important to work with a healthcare provider to find the most suitable medication or combination of treatments. Factors such as the frequency of migraines, severity of symptoms, other medical conditions, and potential side effects all play a role in determining the best acute treatment plan.

Remember, overuse of acute medications (more than 10-15 days per month) can lead to medication overuse headaches, so it's crucial to follow prescribed guidelines and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.