Migraine treatment may involve over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain relief or natural remedies, such as a cold compress and magnesium supplements. Some people may need prescription medications.
Migraine can cause severe headache, nausea, sensitivity to light, and other symptoms. People may be able to manage their symptoms with home care, including OTC medications.
However, if migraine symptoms are severe or chronic, a healthcare professional may prescribe stronger medications.
OTC medications that can help reduce the effects of a migraine include:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Ibuprofen is a
common OTC remedy to reduce pain and inflammation due to migraine. - Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Combining acetaminophen with caffeine or aspirin is
effective at relieving mild migraine. - Aspirin (Bayer): According to a 2019 review, aspirin can relieve mild or recurring migraine pain.
- Naproxen (Aleve): Doctors
may recommend naproxen off-label for migraine and migraine prevention.
If OTC medications are insufficient, a doctor may prescribe the following:
- Sumatriptan (Imitrex): This triptan is
effective for acute migraine relief and works by narrowing blood vessels and reducing inflammation. - Rizatriptan (Maxalt): Rizatriptan has a
faster onset than some other triptans, so it may provide quick and effective migraine symptom relief. - Ergotamine and caffeine (Migergot, Cafergot): This is useful for
moderate to severe migraine, especially if a person takes it early during a migraine episode. - Dihydroergotamine (DHE 45, Migranal): This can be
effective for migraine and status migrainosus, which refers to prolonged migraine attacks. - CGRP inhibitors: Anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) medications include
lasmiditan (Reyvow) and erenumab (Aimovig). These are anewer class of medications that doctors may prescribe to treat migraine.
Some people may prefer the idea of natural migraine treatment options or like to use them in combination with medications.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, the following options may help:
- applying a cold compress
- using a scalp massage
- trying essential oils
- undergoing acupuncture
- lowering the temperature and noise levels, if possible
- consuming ginger, which may help with nausea
Home remedies can provide significant relief from migraine symptoms for some people. However, everyone’s experience is unique. For others, combining these methods with conventional treatments may offer the best results.
It is important to note that further research is necessary to understand the safety and effectiveness of some of the above remedies, such as essential oils.
People always need to speak with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplement or treatment.
The following medications
- beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) or metoprolol (Lopressor)
- antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) or venlafaxine (Effexor)
- anticonvulsant medications, such as topiramate (Topamax) or valproate (Depakote)
- CGRP monoclonal antibodies, including erenumab (Aimovig)
- calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil (Calan)
For some people, the following lifestyle habits may be enough to prevent migraine:
- following good sleep habits, including getting enough sleep and a regular sleep routine
- eating a balanced diet
- exercising regularly
- staying hydrated
- taking certain supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D
- managing stress, which may involve:
- avoiding triggers, such as strong smells or bright lights
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), migraine symptoms can last up to 3 days. People need to speak with a healthcare professional in the following circumstances:
- migraine attacks occur more than once per week
- migraine symptoms get more severe or last longer
- OTC medications and home remedies do not relieve symptoms
People need to seek emergency medical help if they experience the following:
- a sudden, severe headache
- difficulty speaking or remembering things
- vision changes, such as double vision or blurry vision
- seizures
- drowsiness or confusion
- a very high fever
- weakness or difficulty moving, especially on one side of the body or face
What is the best treatment for a migraine?
The best treatment for a migraine may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and non-pharmacological therapies that healthcare professionals tailor to the individual’s needs.
Common acute treatments include triptans, such as sumatriptan, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
Is it possible to permanently cure migraine?
Currently, there is
What is the strongest migraine medication?
Currently, there are no large studies or trials that compare the strength of migraine medications, so it is not clear which medication is the strongest or most effective.
However, NSAIDs have the
People can use over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to relieve migraine symptoms. Home remedies, such as scalp massage or a cold compress, may also help.
People can also take steps to reduce the frequency of future migraine symptoms, such as avoiding triggers, exercising regularly, and addressing any nutrient deficiencies.
There are many different options for treating migraine, but people can speak with a healthcare professional to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses their specific symptoms.