Migraine Prophylaxis

Posts Tagged ‘migraine prophylaxis’

10 Deadly Migraine Drug-Grapefruit Interactions: Expanded List

Wednesday, November 28th, 2012

If you take the following migraine drugs, avoid all grapefruit products. Recently, the Canadian Medical Association Journal published an updated list including dozens of medications that can have deadly drug interactions when consumed with grapefruit juice or pulp, including many migraine prophylaxis drugs that are often prescribed for patients of chronic headaches.

For 20 years, physicians have known about the potential risk for toxic poisoning when certain medications come into contact with the otherwise healthy citrus fruit. Currently, there are more than 80 pharmaceuticals that carry drug interaction warnings regarding consumption with grapefruit juice products.

Out of 85 grapefruit-drug interactions that produce harmful side effects, 43 are potentially fatal.

And the list is growing. In just four years, the number of medications, including migraine drugs, which can result in death when taken with grapefruit, has more than doubled.

The list includes many medications that are often prescribed for migraine prevention, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, heart disease medications, antihistamines, and anticonvulsants.

Top 25 Natural Migraine Treatments: Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs

If you take the following migraine drugs, then please check ingredient labels for grapefruit, and ask your doctor about the potential for drug overdose.

Nimodipine (Nimotop), a calcium channel blocker/migraine drug
Nifedipine (Procardia), calcium channel blocker/migraine drug
Nisoldipine (Sular), calcium channel blocker/migraine drug
Ergotamine (Cafergot, Ergomar), vasoconstrictor/migraine drug
Amitryptiline (Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip), a tricyclic antidepressant/migraine drug
Sertraline (Zoloft), antidepressant/migraine drug
Buspirone (Buspar), anti-anxiety/migraine drug
Simvastatin (Zocor), statin used to prevent stroke, possible migraine drug
Lovastatin (Mevacor), statin used to prevent stroke, possible migraine drug
Atorvastatin (Lipitor), statin used to prevent stroke, possible migraine drug

Natural migraine treatment

To prevent dangerous side effects from prescription migraine drugs, health experts recommend incorporating natural alternative medical practices into your daily migraine management routine, as a means of lowering your dependence on migraine drugs, avoiding migraine triggers, or detoxification.

Natural supplements that benefit migraine patients include butterbur root extract, magnesium, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10.

Also read: Why use Natural Migraine Treatments?

Please tell us…

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Like this? Read more:

Migraine Pain Relievers- Tips for Safe Headache Relief

Over-the-Counter Migraine Drugs- What are the Risks?

Sources:

Grapefruit Drug Interactions: Fruit Reacts Dangerously With Expanding List Of Medications, Study Says

Grapefruit, Medicine Interaction Warning Expanded

Image(s) courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: grapefruit drug interaction, Migraine drug interactions, migraine drugs, Migraine headache medications, migraine prophylaxis, Prescription migraine drugs
Posted in Migraine Medication | No Comments »

Preventing Migraines with Beta Blockers, Part 2: Warnings and Tips

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

Are you using beta blockers for preventing migraines? If so, it’s important to understand the risks involved, such as side effects, migraine drug interactions, and other warnings- used incorrectly, beta blockers can be fatal. Here are some basic facts about beta blockers for migraine attack prevention:

Also read Preventing Migraines with Beta Blockers, Part 1: Introduction

Beta blockers side effects

Certain side effects may occur while using beta blockers; report to your physician if you suddenly start experiencing the following symptoms:

Headaches
Insomnia
Cold hands and feet
Swelling in the extremities
Frequent bruising
Chronic fatigue
Depression
Memory loss
Hallucinations
Nightmares
Confusion
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach cramps
Vomiting
Slow heartbeat
Breathing difficulties
Sexual dysfunction

If you are nursing, pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, please notify your healthcare provider before using beta blockers for migraines.

Also, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before starting beta blockers:

Heart disease
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Asthma
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Diabetes
Hyperthyroidism
Drug allergies

Drug interactions and other warnings!

Certain medications are extremely hazardous when taken in combination with beta blockers.

Please make note of the following drug interactions and warnings:

*ACE inhibitors with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)- fatal heart attack or kidney disease

*Calcium channel blockers or digoxin (Lanoxin) with beta blockers- dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension) or death

*Antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin, and zithromycin) with calcium channel blockers- dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension), dizziness, organ failure, or death

*Antipsychotic drugs thioridazine (Mellaril, Novoridazine, Thioril) or chlorpromazine (Thorazine, Largactil) with beta blockers- dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension) or death

*Clonidine (Catapres) with beta blockers- dangerously high blood pressure (hypertension) or death

*Barbiturates like Phenobarbital may reduce the efficiency of beta blockers

*Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen may reduce the efficiency of beta blockers

If you decide to discontinue usage of beta blockers, notify your doctor. Sudden cessation of beta blockers may result in heart attack, angina, or death.

Thinking about natural ingredients for migraines?

Several natural supplements provide health benefits without side effects.

Popular natural migraine ingredients include:

*Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) promotes neurological health by regulating calcium channels.

*Riboflavin boosts stamina and maintains mitochondrial health.

*Magnesium is effective at maintaining already healthy blood pressure.

*Coenzyme Q10 provides antioxidant protection, helps to maintain proper immune function, and promotes cardiovascular health.

Please tell us…

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Magnesium- for Migraines and Beyond

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Chronic Pain

References:

Choosing blood pressure medications

Beta Blockers Drugs on MedicineNet.com

Migraine Symptoms, Causes, Treatment on MedicineNet

Images:

MEDICAL RF.COM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, ADAM GAULT/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, TEK IMAGE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Tags: migraine headaches, migraine prevention, migraine prophylaxis, Natural remedies for migraines, Preventing Migraines with Beta Blockers
Posted in Migraine Prevention | No Comments »

Preventing Migraines with Beta Blockers, Part 1: Introduction

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

Beta blockers for heart patients are also popular for preventing migraines; symptoms like pounding headache, nausea, and dizziness, common with chronic migraines, sometimes diminish with reduced heart rate and lower blood pressure. Here are some facts about migraine prevention with beta blockers:

Don’t miss the next installment, which will cover drug interactions and side effects- Preventing Migraines with Beta Blockers, Part 2: Warnings and Tips

Beta blockers for migraine prophylaxis

Beta blockers work by blocking chemicals produced in the adrenal gland, thus lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Doctors prescribe beta blockers for irregular heartbeat, hypertension, heart failure, and angina, but headache specialists may also prescribe them for preventing migraine headaches.

Which beta blockers are best for migraine prevention?

If your neurologist or migraine specialist decides to put you on beta blockers, he will most likely choose one of the following beta blockers for migraine prophylaxis:

*Propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal)

*Atenolol (Tenormin)

*Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor, Lopressor LA)

*Metoprolol succinate (Toprol XL)

*Nadolol (Corgard)

*Timolol maleate (Blocadren)

How do beta blockers prevent migraines?

It’s unclear exactly how beta blockers prevent migraines, but some headache specialists theorize that it involves their effect on serotonin levels or prostaglandin.

Migraine Sufferers, this is where your Pain Pills are going

Other medications for high blood pressure

Besides beta blockers, other blood pressure medications include:

*Diuretics (water pills)

*Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), captopril (Capoten), and ramipril (Altace)

*Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB): olmesartan (Benicar), losartan (Cozaar), and valsartan (Diovan)

*Calcium channel blockers: diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR), amlodipine (Norvasc), and nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)

*Renin inhibitors: Aliskiren (Tekturna), not to be taken with ACE inhibitors or ARBs.

Please tell us…

Do you currently use beta blockers for migraine prophylaxis?

Are you aware of the potential side effects or drug interactions?

If not, please see the next installment, Preventing Migraines with Beta Blockers, Part 2: Warnings and Tips

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

A word about addiction

Remember, taking painkillers for migraines or chronic headache does not lead to addiction! There’s an important difference between addiction and dependence. Drug addicts take narcotics for the high, not because they need them medically.

Chemical dependency occurs when you can’t stop taking a medication because of the pain you will suffer as a result, and this gets to be a problem if:

Side effects become intolerable or dangerous
Your develop a tolerance for the drug

And that, dear friends, is what drives so many chronic pain sufferers to natural alternative medicine for migraine headaches.

Tips for success

Please do not try weaning off prescription medications or introducing new migraine treatments without your doctor’s approval. This is not medical advice, just encouragement gathered from likeminded migraine sufferers on the web. For a tapering regimen, consult your doctor.

For treating MOH headaches, wean off gradually, not suddenly.
Don’t expect immediate results. Once you start weaning off painkillers, it can take a few months before you start experiencing relief.
During those first two or three months, expect to suffer withdrawal symptoms- immense headaches, irritability, mood swings, delirium, vomiting, night sweats, and seizures. It’s part of the process as toxins leave your body.
If possible, consider weaning off painkillers as an inpatient at a hospital.
Do not attempt to wean off beta-blockers for migraines on your own- it must be done with help from your physician. Remember to have your heart rate checked often, and report symptoms of rebound hypertension, like anxiety, dizziness, and chest pain.
In addition to weaning off prescription painkillers or NSAIDs, remember to also supplement with natural herbs, vitamins, and minerals for optimum health benefits.
Remember the hot and cold rule- to relieve chronic headaches, apply heat. For migraines, use a cold pack.
If at any point, you feel that you cannot tolerate withdrawal symptoms, or feel that you are in danger, do not hesitate to contact your doctor, or emergency services.

Please tell us…

Have you weaned off prescription or OTC medications for migraines and noticed an improvement in pain symptoms? What natural ingredients do you currently use?

Please share your success story!

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

How does the migraine detox diet work?

If you’ve been keeping a migraine diary to no effect, then you might benefit by going on a complete migraine detox. Instead of painstakingly trying to identify your personal migraine food triggers one by one, the detox diet requires you to cut out all “red light” foods at once. By going cold turkey, you rid your body of all toxins and start anew, slowly introducing new foods into your diet while carefully monitoring your body’s reaction.

What are migraine toxins?

Before starting a detox program for migraines, it’s important to understand exactly what we mean by “toxin” for migraines.

Specifically, migraine toxins are all ingredients that enter your body and trigger a migraine attack, yet have no effect on people who don’t suffer migraines. In the detox diet, all medications, including painkillers for migraines, whether over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed, are considered toxic.

Again, it is crucial to obtain your doctor’s permission before undergoing any detox program for migraines or ending any migraine medication.

List of migraine toxins

Migraine toxins may include:

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
Stimulants
Hormone pills
Vasodilators (hypertension medications, nitrates)
Preservatives (nitrates, nitrites, tannins)
Monosodium glutamate (MSG, Important: Read Where’s the MSG? Hidden MSG Lurks Everywhere)
Food coloring
Artificial sweeteners
Caffeine
Alcohol
Citrus fruits and juices
Overripe fruits (avocadoes, bananas, red plums)
Dried fruits (raisins, figs, prunes)
Legumes (most beans, peas in pod)
Nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, onions)
Fermented condiments (pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi )
Aged cheese
Yogurt, sour cream
Cured, smoked, or processed meats and fish
Yeasted breads or pastries
Tree nuts and peanuts

Migraine nutrients promote detox

In addition to cutting out migraine toxins, you should begin taking natural ingredients for migraines that are healthy and support neurological functioning.

The following nutrients are supported by scientific evidence:

Magnesium: Magnesium reduces stress, soothes tension, supports neurological functioning, and promotes a healthy circulatory system, making it a healthful nutrient for migraine patients. Also, magnesium naturally regulates calcium channels. This placebo-controlled study on migraines and magnesium found impressive results with patients who received 600 mg of magnesium each day for 12 weeks.
Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10): CoQ10 is a vitamin-like nutrient that has been featured in numerous controlled studies, such as this study published by the National Library of Medicine, in which 150 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day greatly benefited more than 60% of the test subjects involved.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Riboflavin is an essential B vitamin that is also beneficial with migraines. In this study, 59% of patients who received 400 mg of riboflavin each day for three months experienced dramatic health benefits.

Migraine detox side effects

During the first few weeks of migraine detox, you will likely experience unpleasant side effects, as toxins are released into your bloodstream. Side effects of migraine detox may include migraine headaches or non-migraine headaches, such as rebound headaches.

Other migraine detox symptoms may include:

Irritability
Heart palpitations
Dizziness
Exhaustion
Muscle pains
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Bad breath
Nausea
Insomnia
Acne
Cold symptoms

Please tell us…

Have you completed a migraine detox program?
If so, was it as a hospital inpatient, or on an outpatient basis?
If you haven’t attempted detox, what is the one thing that is holding you back more than anything else…withdrawal symptoms or fear that it won’t work?
Please share your comments, suggestions, and questions with us!

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What is a patent foramen ovale (PFO)?

Simply put, a patent foramen ovale is a small flap between the right and left atriums of your heart. All people have this hole in the heart as infants in the fetus, and for most people, this flap closes up after birth. However, for 25% of all people, this is not the case, and the hole becomes a PFO tunnel that sometimes allows blood to pass through the heart without receiving oxygen from the lungs, resulting in insufficient levels of oxygen throughout your body.

Additionally, blood clots may pass through the PFO channel, causing stroke.

Prevent Suffering a Stroke- Follow these 5 Simple Rules

How is PFO diagnosed?

In order to diagnose PFO, your doctor might order an echocardiogram, or cardiac ECHO, which is a moving picture of the heart created by sound waves. This gives your doctor a clear and detailed view of your heart.

Does PFO cause migraines?

There have been some studies connecting PFO with migraine headaches, but scientists are hesitant to conclude any causative relationship, rather just a high correlation. However, many theorize that reduced oxygen to the brain caused by PFO might contribute to migraine attacks.

Here are some facts linking migraine headaches with PFO:

People diagnosed with PFO are more likely than the general population to suffer from migraines with aura.
While about one quarter of all people in the general population has PFO, about 40%-60% of migraines with aura patients are likely to have PFO.
Migraine patients who don’t get auras aren’t more likely to have PFO than the general population.
Up to half of all PFO patients experience migraines with aura, while only 4% of the general population suffer migraine auras.
The larger the PFO, the more likely you are to suffer from migraines with aura.
In two studies on migraines with PFO, patients who suffered both migraines with aura and migraines without aura experienced fewer migraine symptoms following closure of the patent foramen ovale.
Closure of PFO did not have any effect on chronic headache sufferers who did not get migraines.
Increased risk for stroke is present in both PFO and migraines with aura frequency.

Killer Migraines Might be Fatal after All- Mortality Rates among Migraine Sufferers

Can PFO be treated?

If you have PFO without suffering from stroke or heart disease, than you doctor will not recommend any treatment. However, if stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a factor, then there are a few possible treatments for PFO.

Blood thinners like aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), or Coumadin (warfarin) may be prescribed to prevent stroke.

A nonsurgical closure of PFO is another option. A percutaneous plug may be applied through hollow flexible tubes that are inserted through your veins and through to your heart.

Does percutaneous closure of PFO prevent migraines?

There have been some promising studies showing a decrease in migraine symptoms following percutaneous closure of PFO.

In one study, about 55%- 80% of migraine headache patients saw a significant improvement in migraine symptoms following PFO closure.
About 20% saw no change in migraine attack severity or frequency.
These results were true for migraines with aura and migraines without aura patients alike.
Because of certain flaws in the studies, scientists do not currently recommend screening for PFO based on history of migraines.
Further investigation is required before PFO closure can be considered a potential treatment for migraines with or without aura.

4 Headaches that Require Emergency Intervention

Natural migraine and cardiovascular health

If you suffer from cardiovascular disease in addition to migraines, then following a healthy lifestyle is instrumental for promoting good health.

Exercise for at least 20 minutes each day.
Cut sodium and trans fats from your diet.
Keep your weight down.
Take plenty of vitamins, minerals, and essential herbs for heart health and migraine care. Some good ones to try are all the B vitamins, including vitamin B12 and riboflavin. Also, calcium, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, and butterbur supplements are healthful.

Please share

If you found this article helpful, or if you would like to add your opinion, please leave your comments below! Help spread the word about migraines and PFO by sharing this with friends and family, as well.

Learn more about migraine disorder:

Migraine Headaches and Brain Aneurysms- Learn the Difference

Are Migraines linked with Epileptic Seizures? It’s Genetics

Sources:

Does the percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale help the migraine sufferer?

Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine- American Headache Society

Patent Foramen Ovale- Cleveland Clinic

Tags: Alternative treatments migraines, Does PFO cause migraines?, Heart health migraines, migraine headaches, migraine prophylaxis, Migraines and PFO, migraines with aura, prevent migraines
Posted in Health | No Comments »

Natural Migraine Ingredients: 9 Must-Take Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs

Monday, January 30th, 2012

Some of the best natural migraine ingredients are available in the vitamin aisle of your supermarket. Magnesium tops the list as one of the most effective nutrients, followed by butterbur root and vitamin B2. Below are nine complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) that promote neurological health in migraine patients.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that affects more than 300 biological functions, including protein synthesis and energy production. Numerous double-blind studies conclude that magnesium is one the best natural ingredients for brain health. By affecting serotonin receptors, magnesium interacts with your brain chemistry in a way that creates a healthy environment in your nervous system. Warning: Please consult in your doctor before taking magnesium supplements, especially if heart disease or kidney disease is a factor.

Magnesium- for Migraines and Beyond

Butterbur root (Petasites hybridus)

Butterbur is a natural herb that has been used throughout the years as a health-giving nutrient for promoting a positive mind and mood, healthy nerve cell maintenance, respiratory functioning, and digestive system regularity. In a randomized trial published in Neurology, extracts of Petasites hybridus (also known as butterbur root) and a placebo were given to test subjects. Patients who received butterbur for 4 months saw dramatic health benefits. Warning: Only use butterbur extracts that are labeled PA-free (free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids). PA’s are toxins that many cause severe liver damage.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential nutrient that your body produces naturally. In a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on migraine headaches, supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 was noticeably beneficial.

Coenzyme Q10 Benefits and Dosage Information

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is an essential B vitamin that occurs naturally in meat, eggs, nuts, and green vegetables. Studies prove that taking at least 400 mg of riboflavin each day significantly improves muscle tone and healthy circulation.

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is another important B vitamin for migraine patients- a water-soluble nutrient that is obtained naturally in meat, dairy, fish, and egg sources. It is responsible for many important functions in your body, including normal red blood cell production,neurological health, maintaining cognitive functioning, and increasing stamina.

Folic acid

Folic acid is a synthetic version of folate, an essential B vitamin. Folate is essential for regulating homocysteine levels and supporting DNA synthesis. In a clinical trial that supplied folic acid and other B-complex vitamins to more than 50 chronic migraine sufferers, test subjects saw dramatic health results.

6 Safe Migraine Treatments for Pregnant Moms

Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium is a mineral that your body needs to build strong, healthy bones. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium efficiently, and is beneficial for your nerves, muscles, and your immune system. Scientific studies show that vitamin D, taken together with calcium, is effective at significantly improving your body’s response to inflammation.

Feverfew

Feverfew is a sunflower that has been used historically for fevers, hence the name. Feverfew leaves are beneficial for headaches and sustaining cartilage and joint functioning.

Please tell us: Do you use any vitamin supplements, minerals, or herbs for migraine headaches? Have you been able to wean off or reduce your prescription migraine drug dosage ?

If you found this article helpful, please share with others!

How much magnesium do you need?

A healthy adult requires anywhere between 310 and 420 milligrams of magnesium per day, according to the RDA. However, certain people require more magnesium in their diet than the general population. Certain health conditions and medicines may interfere with magnesium absorption or cause magnesium depletion. These include:

People who suffer gastrointestinal problems, as in Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, or fibromyalgia
Anybody who suffers chronic diarrhea or vomiting, as in migraine disorder
Diuretics
Antibiotics
Anti-neoplastic medication
Hyperglycemia
People with calcium or potassium deficiencies
Alcoholism
Senior citizens, due to magnesium loss and drug interactions

Migraine Nausea and Vomiting- 10 Natural Home Remedies

What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency?

The most common symptoms of low magnesium levels are:

Loss of appetite
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Muscular weakness
Leg cramps
Muscular contractions
Painful numbness and tingling sensations
Seizures
Coronary spasms
Abnormal heartbeat
Emotional disorders

Left untreated, severe magnesium deficiency can lead to low calcium levels and potassium levels in the blood.

What are the health benefits of magnesium?

Migraine

In a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized study, 81 migraine patients were given either 600mg of oral magnesium supplements or a placebo, every day for 12 weeks. After at least 9 weeks, migraine patients who received the magnesium supplements noticed more dramatic results than those who received the placebo.

Heart health

Conversely, magnesium deficiency may cause abnormal heartbeats that may lead to heart attack. In numerous studies, magnesium supplementation improved cardiovascular endurance.

Hypertension

The DASH study (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) suggests eating foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that are high in magnesium and low in sodium, and fat.

Type 2 diabetes

Magnesium influences insulin levels and improves the insulin response in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Osteoporosis

Magnesium encourages calcium absorption and increases bone mineral density, according to many studies.

Up your magnesium intake for pain management

If you suffer from chronic pain symptoms like migraine headaches or fibromyalgia, then health experts recommend you increase your magnesium intake, either through food sources or magnesium supplements.

If you found this article helpful, please share with your friends! Your comments are also welcome.

Sources:

Magnesium

Prophylaxis of Migraine with Oral Magnesium: Results From A Prospective, Multi-Center, Placebo-Controlled and Double-Blind Randomized Study

Top 5 Health Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium-Rich Foods May Lower Stroke Risk

Images, from top:

yanovineyards, Lori_NY, jeff_w_brooktree

Tags: Chronic pain symptoms, headache, health benefits magnesium, magnesium deficiency, Magnesium for migraines, migraine attacks, migraine disorder, migraine headaches, migraine headaches fibromyalgia, migraine prophylaxis, Natural remedy migraines, Pain management
Posted in Natural Migraine Treatments | No Comments »

Drugs that Prevent or Stop Migraine Attacks, plus Side Effects: Part II, Preventative Medications

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

Which migraine drugs are best for relieving migraine headaches and preventing migraine attacks? Below are the most popular migraine medications, including possible dangerous side effects.

From Part I:

Two strategies for migraine relief

Pain relief- Also known as acute or abortive treatment, these types of drugs are taken during migraine attacks and are designed to stop symptoms that have already begun.
Preventative- Prophylactic migraine drugs are taken regularly, usually every day, in order to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Most prophylactic migraine medicines do not treat other migraine symptoms (nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, light sensitivity, migraine aura), but instead aid in preventing migraines by controlling vascular swelling.

Natural Migraine Remedies Surge with Prescription Drug Deaths

Migraine medications that prevent migraine attacks

If you suffer frequent debilitating migraine attacks that do not respond to pain relievers, then your doctor may wish to prescribe migraine prophylaxis treatments. Also, “migraine with aura” patients qualify for preventative migraine treatments that reduce the frequency and duration of migraine attacks, in addition to significantly reducing the severity of migraine symptoms.

Heart disease medications

Beta blockers- Propranolol (Inderal La, Innopran XL)
Calcium channel blockers- Verapamil (Calan, Verelan)
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors- Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)

Caution: Cardiovascular medications for migraines may cause drug and alcohol interactions, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, wheezing, depression, vivid nightmares, cold hands and feet, asthma, diarrhea, nausea, slow heartbeat, and swollen ankles.

Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants- Amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)- Paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine HCl (Prozac), Celexa
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)- Venlafaxine (Effexor, Venlafaxine HCL)

Caution: Antidepressants may cause drug interactions. Side effects include irregular heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, weakness, weight gain, increased appetite, reduced sex drive, and dry mouth.

Anti-seizure medications

Valproate (Depacon)
Topiramate (Topamax)
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Caution: Anti-seizure medications for migraine may cause drug interactions. Long-term use of anti-seizure medications may cause pancreatitis, liver damage, memory loss, nausea, vomiting, cramps, weight gain, impaired vision, hair loss, and dizziness. Some epilepsy drugs like Depacon may cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Migraine Medications That are Dangerous During Pregnancy

Antihistamines

Cyproheptadine

Caution: Antihistamines may cause drug interactions. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, irritability, disorientation, hallucinations, insomnia, allergic reactions, impaired vision, tinnitus, low heartbeat, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, jaundice, hepatitis, anorexia, sore throat, chest pains, respiratory congestion, increased appetite, chills, and headache.

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox)

Caution: Botox injections may cause side effects like difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, muscular weakness, muscular pain, visual impairments, itching, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, bruising, bleeding, swelling, redness, sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, flu symptoms, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, dry mouth and eyes, tinnitus, increased sensitivity to light, and headache.

Alternative Migraine Treatments: Thinking outside of the Botox

Alternative migraine nutrients

Natural ingredients for migraine headaches improve neurological functioning without dangerous side effects.

Herbs and vitamins for migraines

Butterbur
Magnesium
Coenzyme Q10
Riboflavin

Caution: Butterbur supplements may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids- seek butterbur extracts that are free of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. As with all medications, allergic reactions may occur. Seek advice from a doctor before starting any new migraine treatment, including natural migraine remedies.

Part I: Migraine pain relievers

Two strategies for migraine relief

Pain relief- Also known as acute or abortive treatment, these types of drugs are taken during migraine attacks and are designed to stop symptoms that have already begun.
Preventative- Prophylactic migraine drugs are taken regularly, usually every day, in order to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Most prophylactic migraine medicines do not treat other migraine symptoms (nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, light sensitivity, migraine aura), but instead aid in preventing migraines by controlling vascular swelling.

Medications that relieve migraine symptoms

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and simple analgesics

Ibuprofen- (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
Acetaminophen- (Tylenol)
Aspirin- (Bufferin, Bayer)
Ketoprofen- (Orudis)
Naproxen- (Naprosyn, Aleve)
Combination migraine painkillers- (Excedrin for Migraines)

Caution: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are not strong enough to relieve severe migraine headaches. Long-term side effects may include ulcers, internal bleeding, and rebound headache.

Are You on the Rebound with Your Headache?

Narcotic painkillers for migraines

Codeine
Meperidine HCl (Demerol)
Darvocet
Butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine (Fioricet)
Fiorinal
Percocet
Vicodin

Caution: Narcotic painkillers are habit forming and a high risk for fatal overdose; side effects include allergic reaction, seizure, feebleness, loss of consciousness, clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, anxiety, and increased sweating.

Are Doctors Overprescribing Painkillers for Migraines? Fox News Report

Triptans

Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
Almotriptan (Axert)
Naratriptan (Amerge)
Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
Frovatriptan (Frova)
Eletriptan (Relpax)

Caution: Triptans may cause nausea, dizziness, and muscular feebleness, not recommended for patients of heart disease or stroke

Ergot

Ergotamine (Ergomar)
Dihydroergotamine (DHE, Migranal)

Caution: Side effects of Ergot may include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, hypertension, chest pain, sneezing, sore throat, fever, visual impairments, numbness in hands and feet, cold hands and feet, weakness in legs, muscular pain, itching, dry mouth, disorientation, anxiety, and fatigue.

Anti-nausea

Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Prochlorperazine (Compro)

Caution: Anti-nausea medications may cause fatigue, diarrhea, dizziness, joint pain, restlessness, sleep difficulties, hair loss, anxiety, constipation, impaired vision, and headache.

Parenteral corticosteroids

Dexamethasone (Baycadron, Cortastat, Decadron, DexPak)

Caution: Dexamethasone may cause difficulty sleeping, disorientation, dizziness, increased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, depression, mood swings, allergic reaction, changes in menstruation, seizures, muscular pain, joint pain, unusual swelling, fever, sore throat, cough, pressure behind eyes, and headache.

Next: Drugs that Prevent or Stop Migraine Attacks, plus Side Effects: Part II, Preventative Medications

Posts Tagged ‘migraine prophylaxis’

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