Prescription Drugs
There are many different prescription drugs
available for migraine treatment today. The most commonly used ones
include ergotamines, triptans, beta-blockers, and anti-depressants among
others. Let's look at how each of these drugs work.
Ergotamine and Dihydroergotamine
Ergotamines work by constricting the blood
vessels in the head. When the vessels are constricted, the pain is
decreased or eliminated. Ergotamine is supplied in an oral tablet, a
suppository, or an inhaled form, and is often in combination with caffeine
to improve absorption. The disadvantage to ergotamines is that they can
result in rebound headaches (headaches caused by removal of the
medication) and can't be taken if pregnant. Some side effects include
nausea, dizziness and anxiety.
Triptans
The triptan family of drugs includes
sumatriptan, zolmatriptan, and naratriptan, among others. They all
have a similar method of relieving migraine pain. They raise the level of
serotonin in the brain, which stops the dilation of the blood vessels and
relieves the migraine. They are non-addictive and don't result in rebound
headaches, but they have some side effects that can make the user feel
uncomfortable for a while, such as muscle soreness. They can't be
taken if the user suffers from high blood pressure, high cholesterol
levels, or if you are pregnant.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers work by preventing migraine.
They inhibit the blood vessels from dilating all the time, not just when a
migraine occurs. The disadvantages of using beta-blockers are that
they decrease your blood pressure and so can result in fainting or
dizziness. They also can aggravate asthma and cause coughing.
Anti-Depressants
Anti-depressants are also a preventative
medication. They increase the level of serotonin in the brain, and thus
decrease the incidence of migraine. Side effects can include weight loss,
decreased sexual libido, and confusion or agitiation.
Last updated April 3, 2003 by Shannon Mewha |
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