Overview
Migraine is a neurological disorder that causes recurrent and chronic headaches due to different environmental and lifestyle factors and genetics. Lifestyle factors include stress, sleep problems, hormonal changes, dehydration, anxiety, etc.
Prescription medications for migraine treatment include Triptans, CGRP Receptor antagonists, Ergot alkaloids, Serotonin receptor agonists, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and calcium channel blockers. These medications require medical consultation, diagnosis, and prescription for them to be dispensed to you, as they all belong to diverse classes of medications and should be prescribed after careful diagnosis.
What is the strongest migraine medicine?
Migraine medications can help prevent relief from the pain and discomfort in the head due to severe or throbbing pain. These medications can be of two types. Acute treatment medications(that can only relieve pain) and Prophylactic treatment medications (that can reduce the frequency of medications). The strongest migraine medications can be different for every individual, depending on the age and type of migraine headache. No one drug can help you with migraine and act as strongest without the proper diagnosis of type and severity.
Drugs for acute treatment
These drugs or medications can provide effective relief from the pain and reduce the associated symptoms of migraine. These are all prescription medications except NSAIDs, and a prescription by a healthcare provider must be dispensed to you. Some of them are :
- Triptans
- They are prescribed to be taken early in the migraine attack. They prevent attack and provide relief by narrowing the blood vessels. Examples include Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, and Zolmitriptan, prescribed specifically on prescription.
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs).
- NSAIDs are OTC medications considered the first option for effective pain relief. It’s generally recommended not to take NSAIDs for more than 3 days. Examples include Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac.
- CGRP Receptor Antagonists (Gepants).
- CGRP is a protein that aids in dealing with migraines. These medications block this protein and help in treating migraine pain. Examples include Ubrogepant, Rimegepant
- Ergot Alkaloids.
- Ergot alkaloids help constrict blood vessels and interfere with serotonin pathways in the brain. This can help in relieving migraine, especially in patients with long-term migraine history. Examples include Ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine
- Lasmiditan (Serotonin 5-HT1F Receptor Agonist).
- This class of drug also helps with migraine relief and is usually prescribed to patients with cardiovascular issues. These are not OTC medications and are only prescribed by healthcare providers. An example is Lasmiditan (Reyvow).
- Anti-nausea (Antiemetics)
- Antinausea mediactions treat the nausea and related symptoms and are sometimes prescribed and recommended to take for migraine headaches. Examples: Metoclopramide, Prochlorperazine
Drugs for preventive treatment
These medications are prescribed to avoid the occurrence of migraines and headaches in the friar place. These medications are also called prophylactic treatment medications. Some of them are:
- Beta-Blockers.
- Examples: Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol
- Antidepressants
- Examples: Amitriptyline, Venlafaxine
- Anticonvulsants (Anti-seizure Drugs)
- Examples: Topiramate, Valproate
- CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies
- Examples: Erenumab, Fremanezumab, Galcanezumab
- Botulinum Toxin
- Example: OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
- Calcium Channel Blockers
- Example: Verapamil
These medications also belong to different classes of drugs and are prescribed to treat serious medical conditions like depression and convulsions. These medications also have a tendency to treat migraine headaches only if determined and prescribed by your healthcare provider after the careful diagnosis of your migraine type, frequency, and age.
What is the best medication for migraine headaches?
There is no single best medication for migraine headaches as it highly depends on the causation factors. These factors, like age, severity, and frequency, vary from person to person, so you must decide the best course of action for migraine treatment.
Migraine treatment is individualized, depending on age, frequency, and severity. The optimal therapy varies for each patient – says Dr. Richard
When to consult a doctor?
Medications like NSAIDs can help in pain relief for recurrent headaches. For migraines once diagnosed, individualized treatment can only help in treating the migraine effectively. You should consult a doctor when you suspect one side throbbing pain in your head that resembles a migraine. This can help manage the migraine at an early onset and prevent further attacks.
It is also important to note that OTC medications, especially NSAIDs, should not be taken more than 3 days to avoid any side effects and should consult with healthcare providers for effective treatment options.
FAQs about the prescription medicine for migraines
As per the studies, Propranolol is considered one of the most potent and first-line choices for migraine prevention. It helps treat recurrent attacks and prevent further attacks. It’s not an over-the-counter medication; it requires a medical consultation and prescription for it to be dispensed.
Sumatriptan, which belongs to the triptan class of drugs, works fastest for the migraine treatment of most individuals but not necessarily for every individual. It’s important to get diagnosed by a healthcare provider for effective treatment.
