Migraine Medications: Which Medications Help Relieve Pain? 

Migraine is a neurological disorder that causes severe headaches, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. People who suffer from migraine headaches know how much this disorder can impact daily life and reduce productivity and quality of life. It is important to understand that migraine treatment should be done under medical supervision. In this article, we will look at the main medication groups that help manage migraines.

1. Analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 

Analgesics and NSAIDs are the first line of treatment for migraine headaches. These medications help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

• Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used painkillers. It helps with moderate headaches, but its effectiveness is limited for severe attacks.

• Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. It can be effective for mild to moderate migraine attacks.

• Naproxen: Naproxen has a longer duration of action than ibuprofen and can be useful for long-lasting attacks.

• Aspirin: High-dose aspirin (900–1000 mg) can relieve migraine symptoms, especially when taken at the onset of an attack.

It's important to remember that overuse of painkillers can lead to medication-induced headaches.

2. Triptans

Triptans are a special group of medications used to treat migraines. They act on serotonin receptors, causing blood vessels in the brain to constrict and reducing inflammation.

• Sumatriptan: Sumatriptan is one of the most popular medications for relieving migraine attacks. It quickly relieves pain, especially when taken at the onset of an attack.

• Zolmitriptan: Zolmitriptan has a similar mode of action, but its onset of action is slightly slower than that of sumatriptan.

• Rizatriptan: Rizatriptan may be more effective than sumatriptan in some patients. It helps relieve migraine symptoms more quickly.

• Eletriptan: Eletriptan is considered one of the most modern triptans with high efficacy.

If you have cardiovascular disease, you should not take triptans, as they can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

3. Ergotamines 

Ergotamine and dihydroergotamine have been used to treat migraine headaches for decades. These medications act on serotonin receptors like triptans but have more side effects. They are prescribed less frequently but more often in cases where triptans are ineffective.

4. Migraine prevention medications 

Some people who suffer from frequent and severe migraine attacks require preventative treatment. It helps reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.

• The beta-blockers propranolol and metoprolol are used to prevent migraines. They reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, thereby reducing the likelihood of attacks.

• The antidepressants amitriptyline and venlafaxine can be effective for chronic migraines, especially when accompanied by anxiety and depression.

• The antiepileptic drugs topiramate and valproic acid help stabilize nerve activity, thus reducing the likelihood of migraine attacks.

• The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists erenumab and fremanezumab are newer medications that block CGRP, a protein involved in the development of migraines. They have shown high efficacy in patients with chronic migraines.

5. Alternative treatments

Some patients find relief through non-medicinal methods.

• Magnesium: Magnesium supplements can help prevent migraines, especially in people who are deficient in this mineral.

• Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 is involved in cellular energy metabolism and can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

• Botox: Botulinum toxin (Botox) is used to treat chronic migraines. It is injected into the head and neck muscles and relieves tension and pain.

The bottom line

Migraines are a serious condition that requires an individualized treatment approach. Depending on the frequency and severity of the attacks, your doctor may recommend painkillers, triptans, preventative medications, or alternative treatment methods. Self-medication can worsen the condition, so if you experience frequent and severe migraines, you should consult a specialist.