Finding the right treatment for migraines can be a little like looking for a needle in a haystack. There's no shortage of drug and treatment options, but since not everyone responds the same way, it's hard to figure out what might work without a lot of trial and error.
Three recent studies narrow down the options a little by flagging drugs that show statistical evidence that they prevent migraines, at least for some people.
The first study reviewed studies done in the past few years on standard migraine prevention drugs, while the second study did the same type of research, but focused on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal treatments, and other alternative treatments.
According to the authors, here's a partial list of drugs and treatments you should talk to your doctor about if you get fewer than 15 migraines per month:
- Anti-epileptic drugs like Topamax and Depakote
- Some beta-blockers, especially metoprolol, propranolol, and timolol
- Some antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil) and venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Some triptans like Frova for menstrual migraines
- Butterbur (MIG-99), feverfew, magnesium, and vitamin B2
- Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and naproxen (though researchers noted that NSAIDs can cause more headaches through medication overuse and rebound)
On the other hand, these drugs and treatments may just be a waste of money:
- Lamictal
- Clomipramine (Anafranil)
- Aspirin
- Omega-3 supplements
- Hyperbaric oxygen treatments
And the third study would add botox injections to the second list -- at least if you have episodic migraines (fewer than 15 migraines per month) or tension headaches. Researchers noted that botox did help some people with chronic migraines (more than 15 migraines per month) and chronic daily headache.
All these drug options triggering a headache? Here are 7 natural treatments for migraines.
I used to suffer from horrible migraines. One neurologist thought I had a brain tumor. I'd see stars, flashing lights, and get sick for several days or several weeks at a time. When I developed grand mal epilepsy at 28, I finally got on an anti-convulsant that stopped my seizures and my migraines! Tegretol, which is now the cheap generic, carbamazepine (Tegretol used to cost a fortune). I'm almost glad I got epilepsy just to get rid of my migraines. Epilepsy, migraines, and stroke run in my family.
You left out sumatriptan....works for me.
I suffer from migraines quite frequently and the Dr.'s I have been to have tried me on many medications, some that are listed in this article. I am on the topamax, the riboflavin and the magnesium. I also take 75mg of amitriptylene at night... still no relief.... I am interested though, in the hyperbaric chamber and, maybe I should excersize a bit more. Anyhow, I feel for other migraine sufferers out there, wish there was a cure for us.