Which medications are recommended for migraine?
October 21, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Isabel Schlosser
Dear Doctor,
I am reaching out to you because I have been suffering from severe migraine attacks for some time now and have not yet found the right treatment. The migraine attacks occur regularly, accompanied by intense headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light. These attacks greatly affect my daily life and I am desperate to find a suitable solution.
So far, I have taken various painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, but they have rarely provided noticeable relief. I have also tried to avoid trigger factors such as stress, irregular sleep patterns, and certain foods, but the migraine attacks continue to occur regularly.
I am concerned that the migraine attacks will only get worse, and I would like to know which medications you can recommend to help alleviate the symptoms and reduce the frequency of the attacks. Are there specific medications that are used specifically for migraines, and what side effects should be considered? Are alternative treatment methods such as acupuncture or relaxation techniques also recommended?
I greatly appreciate your expertise and advice on this matter. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Lenzner
Dear Hildegard Lenzner,
I would like to thank you for your trust and openness regarding your migraine condition. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from such strong and distressing migraine attacks. Migraine is a complex condition that varies individually and therefore requires individualized treatment.
First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that the treatment of migraine primarily aims to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life of those affected. There are various medications that can be used for the acute treatment of migraine. These include triptans, which have been specifically developed for the treatment of migraine and target the inflammatory processes in the brain. Triptans are prescription medications and should be taken under medical supervision. Side effects may include fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.
For prophylaxis, or the long-term prevention of migraine attacks, there are various medications such as beta-blockers, antiepileptic drugs, or botulinum toxin injections. These medications must be taken or administered regularly and should also be used under medical supervision. Side effects may vary depending on the medication, from fatigue to weight gain.
In addition to medication therapy, there are also alternative treatment methods that can help alleviate migraine symptoms in some patients. These include acupuncture, relaxation techniques such as yoga or progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, and physical therapies such as cold or heat therapy. These methods can be used as supportive measures to medication therapy and can be individually tailored to your needs.
It is important that you discuss your symptoms and previous treatment with your treating physician. Together, an individualized treatment plan can be created that is tailored to your needs. Regular monitoring and assessment of your migraine symptoms are also important to adjust the therapy if necessary.
I hope that my response has been helpful to you and wish you all the best on your journey to alleviate your migraine symptoms.
Best regards,
Isabel Schlosser
