Medical Treatment

Drug treatment for migraine headaches can relieve the pain and symptoms of a migraine attack and prevent further migraine attacks.

Migraines can be treated with two approaches: abortive and preventive.

Abortive: The goal of abortive therapy is to stop it once it starts. The prescribed medications stop a migraine when you one coming or once it has begun and may be taken as needed. Abortive medications can be administered by self-injection, by mouth, or by nasal spray. These forms of medication are especially useful for people who have nausea or vomiting related to their migraine, and they work quickly. Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause headaches, especially if you use them regularly. Medications that may cause headaches include:

• Birth control pills (oral contraceptives).
• Caffeine (or caffeine withdrawal).
• Cold medicines, such as antihistamines and decongestants.
• Ergotamine (Cafergot) therapy.
• Heart and blood pressure medicines (vasodilators).
• Hormone therapy.
• Overuse of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin D.

Often, if you stop taking the medicine or take a smaller dose, your headache will go away. If you suspect your headache is caused by a prescription medicine, talk with your health professional about your side effects. Do not stop taking the medicine until you have spoken with your health professional. Read the rest of this entry »