what is a good medication for migraines?

Answer 1

Treatment and Prevention-

1.If your migraines are mild or infrequent, you may be able to get sufficient relief from an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofren--provided you take the pain reliever during the first 30 minutes of an attack.

2.For those who get frequent migraines (two or more disabling attacks per month), prescription medications may be the only way to prevent or reduce symptoms. medications, such as sumatriptan.

Natural treatment -
1.Two supplements may be useful in reducing the intensity and frequency of attacks.
The herb feverfew, one of the most popular migraine remedies, has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), helps boost serotonin levels in the brain, and has been found to prevent migraines as effectively as some prescription medications. Both may need to be taken daily over several months for maximum benefit. 5-HTP should be used with caution when using certain antidepressants, called SSRI drugs.

2.For people who average four attacks per month, the B vitamin riboflavin may provide some significant relief.

3.The following foods and substances should be avoided, since they are thought to trigger migraines in some people: nuts, peanut butter, yogurt, sour cream, onions, pickles, eggs, tomatoes, citrus fruits, freshly baked yeast products, alcohol- and caffeine-rich drinks, MSG (monosodium glutamate), and aspartame (artificial sweetener).Some studies have shown improvement in migraines when dairy and wheat are removed from the diet.

4.Consuming fish with a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna and salmon, may aid in migraine prevention.

Answer 2

I think you've got a pretty good concensus here on your situation. First - you need to be SURE you have migraines, and not some other form of a bad headache. There IS a difference. Depending on your situation, maybe you can just really speak to your current doctor. Maybe he's just old fashioned and keeps on prescribing the Inderal - which used to be the standard, and still works for many people. Try to get your doctor to listen enough to refer you to a neurologist -- who can diagnose your migraines. Again, depending on your situation - you may just be able to switch doctors with no backlash and get a doctor who will listen and be interactive with your care. Be wary of any doctor who just writes prescriptions without hesitation. Migraine care is a process. And again, if you're lucky - you don't even have migraines. Maybe you have bad sinus headaches. As far as how to switch doctors - it depends on if you have insurance or not. If not -- call the Diamond Center in Chicago and see if they have any recommendations. Research them on the web. If you have migraines, though -- you should be prepared to not only get medication that will be expensive (even with insurance), but you should prepare for some lifestyle changes. If they've interfered with your job, you need to be acutely aware of what triggers the migraines. Light? Dark? Smells? Too much/little sleep? Most people with migraines benefit from completely getting off caffeine (through that causes a string of migraines for a while -- but totally worth it) I was DIAGNOSED AT THE HOSPITAL with a migraine when I was 4 years old. I've had more than 30 years to live with it and learned many ways to cope. Please feel free to email me to chat..

Answer 3

the best medicine for migraines that really worked for me is a prescribed med called "FIORICET" but I got the generic which was But-apap-w/caffiene and it did help and still does. I recently was given a sample of Immatrex and it didn't work as well for me. everybody is different though.
When I was in the Hospital for a spinal headache, the nurse gave me an iv saline, morphine and caffeine. She told me to enhance a pain med -- take it with a beverage with a high caffiene level and it will accelerate the effect. Hope you find something that works.

Answer 4

This is what I do: Take something with caffeine (Excedrin) and drink a small cup of coffee or tea, coke. Don't over-due on the caffeine. Then, take a very hot shower or bath for as long as possible and get in bed for a while, turn off tv, lights and just breathe. Seems to have worked for me.

Answer 5

I think the best non-prescription medicine is Excedrin Migraine or the Generic of it at Wal-Mart. Contains Aspirin, Tylenol and Caffeine.

Answer 6

go to doctor and get maxalt it works good about an hour and you have forgotten your migraine

Answer 7

The only thing that work's for me is Syndol, have tried other pain relief drug's to no avail.

Answer 8

I liked Vioxx before they yanked it.

Answer 9

http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr_feb04_foramen.html