How do you get rid of a migraine?

Question

I've been to my doctor about migraines before, but I don't have insurance and can't afford the medicine.

What are some good home rememdies for it?

I've tried lying in the dark, quiet, with a cool cloth over my eyes. I have now had this particular headache for four days.

Please help!

I guess I forgot to say that I have tried Extra Strength Tylenol, Excedrin Migraine, Aleve, Advil, and Ibuprofen. None of these work. They only dull the headache for few hours.

I have also tried sleep. I stayed in bed all day yesterday. When I wake the headache is still there.

Come on PPL I said HOME remedies, not other meds. Read the question plz!

OH and one more thing, I've had migraines since the age of 6. I can go a full year without one, and then go a whole month with one. ITs very strange.

Answer 1

I feel your pain..literally. I have had migraines for nearly 40 years. I know the meds are expensive but they are the only thing that will stop one dead in its tracks. Maybe you can check out free clinics or ask the doctors office for samples. If you can recognize the onset and get to a dark, quiet room immediately you may stop or reduce one. Also submerging your hands in as hot a bowl of water as you can stand without burns can help. It causes the blood to rush to the hands and away from the head, keep your hands submerged up to the wrists for as long as possible. Also try a 'migraine log'. write down everything you ate or did immediately before a headache starts. That may help you to recognize triggers to avoid. And be sure to ask the doctor about samples or free Rx from the drug company programs. Good luck. If you are a female, one good thing about getting older is the migraines do decrease after menopause...lol....

Answer 2

You poor dear!! I feel for ya. I do have insurance in which I use Imitrex, but since you don't I would try Advil Migraine, that works for me in a pinch. And just try to lie very still and relax your breathing and think about something else if you can. I know that is hard because migraine pain is really severe to us anyway. You seem like you are already doing the right things though, cool compress, dark room. Maybe u can try having someone rub your head for you. If nothing else works then go to the ER! and they will treat you. I have been where you are trust me! Your doctor may be able to write you a Rx for something not so expensive to try. The imitrex works great maybe he can just give you a 2 or 3 day supply possibly. Can't hurt to try. Good luck!! I hope u feel better. Get some rest! and drink lots of water.

Answer 3

I've only had one in my life and NEVER EVER want to go through that again. Several of my friends get them. They've learnt to detect one coming on, immediately go for Tylenol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen or whatever, take double the normal dose and then do just what you've been doing. They say it helps but still end up with a slight headache for anywhere from 4 hours to 2 days. They are at least able to keep it down to a dull pain. Be careful with the dosage of headache reliever though. And make sure you aren't allergic or have negative reactions to whatever is in the pain relievers. And if you can find some peppermint oil to rub onto the point of pain, that might help as well.

Answer 4

Migraines are caused from many factors.

Physical triggers of a migraine include:

menstruation
ovulation
ovarian cycle disorders
Pharmacological triggers include:
oral contraceptives
glyceryl trinitrate
theophylline
reserpine
nifedipine
indomethacin
cimetidine

Dietary triggers include:

alcohol
tyramine (aged cheeses and fermented foods)
aspartame (artificial sweetener)
monosodium glutamate (MSG)
phenylethylamine (present in some OTC drugs and chocolate)
nitrates (preservatives used in sausage, bacon, and lunch meats)
citrus foods and products

Missing meals, changing your sleep routine, and stress are behavioral triggers that can start migraine headaches.

Ask yourself a few questions to determine if your environment is triggering some of your migraine attacks:

Do you get headaches when you use certain household products or perfumes?
Strong odors are frequently a trigger for migraines. It took me years to figure out why I got headaches when I did a big cleaning job, perfume is almost nonexistent in my life.

Do you get migraines when the weather changes?

Do you feel bright or blinking lights bother you?

Are you under acute stress?

Answer 5

Many people have actually found that they are dehydrated. So, next time you get a migraine, drink 17 oz of water (not too cold) within 10 minutes. Many have been suprized with such a simple thing. Perhaps you will too.

Answer 6

Headache is a pain in the head, scalp or neck.
Headaches can be caused by minor problems
like eyestrain, lack of coffee or more serious reasons
like head injury, brain tumors, encephalitis and
meningitis. Taking painkillers continuously can
have harmful side effects, so it is better to
modify your lifestyle. More information available at

Answer 7

Take Excedrin Migraine and try to sleep in a dark room.

Answer 8

Exedrin Migrane

Answer 9

Excedrin migraine. its the best.

Answer 10

Hit your thumb with a hammer.