Migraine in adults
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Key points about treatments

The good news about migraines is that there are treatments that work. These treatments can't stop you from getting migraine attacks. But if you use them as soon as you realize you are about to have an attack, they will reduce your pain and other symptoms, and should make you feel better.

Key points about treating migraines
  • Learning as much as you can about migraines may make it easier to cope. To find out more, see How you can help yourself.
  • A migraine diary might help you work out what things trigger your migraine attacks, so that you can avoid these things in the future.
  • Most people who get migraines take painkillers that they buy from a drugstore without a prescription, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
  • You can get a prescription for a stronger painkiller that combines acetaminophen with codeine. This is called Tylenol #2, #3 and #4, depending on the strength of the codeine. But we haven't looked at the evidence for this combination.
  • Drugs called triptans have been designed especially for migraine attacks. They work well although they do have some side effects. You may have to try more than one triptan to find one that works for you.
  • You need to take your medicine at the first sign of an attack, as soon as you start having symptoms.
     
     
     
     
     
    Source:
    Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.
    Managing migraine.
    Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. 36(6):41-4, 1998 Jun.
     
     
     
     
     
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  • If you have frequent migraine attacks, ask your doctor about treatments to prevent them. To learn more see Treatments to prevent migraine.

Sources for the information on this page:
  1. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. Managing migraine.Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. 36(6):41-4, 1998 Jun.
This information was last updated on May 12, 2009
BMJ Group
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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