That said, while theres no end-all fix, migraine medications have come a long way in recent years.
(Popping a pill is easier said than done when your symptoms include nausea and vomiting.)
Specifically, the drugs topiramate and Depakote were later FDA-approved for migraine prevention.
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Another drug called carbamazepine is backed by some research showing its effectiveness as well.
Anticonvulsants generally need to be taken for a couple of months before their effects on migraine are noticeable.
SNRIs are similar drugs that elevate levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Within this category, venlafaxine is the most commonly prescribed drug for migraine.
They are useful as a preventative migraine treatment, not to treat symptoms when they hit.
HOW THEY WORKTricylic antidepressants affect the balance of chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
These chemicals are involved in the bodily processes that create the sensation of pain, and migraine pain specifically.
For those who experience problematic side effects when taking this drug,nortriptylineis typically the second choice.
Injected in targeted microdoses, these neuromodulating drugs temporarily relax muscle contractions for up to three months.
Some products contain caffeine and anti-nausea drugs as well.
HOW THEYRE ADMINISTEREDoral capsule or under-tongue tablet, injection, nasal spray, rectal suppository
TYPESdihydroergotamine (D.H.E.
However, they may not be safe for people with vascular conditions.
HOW THEY WORKTriptans and ditans relieve migraine by binding to serotonin receptors.
