Migraine Medications & Treatments

Many medications and other treatments are available to treat Migraines and headaches. Find out what your options are and which option may be best for you.

Medications and treatments must be understood and managed well...

11 Tips for Using Migraine Meds Safely
11 Tips for the safe use, storage, and disposal of Migraine medications.

Managing Medications

Reporting Problems to FDA
Whether you experience a problem with a Migraine medication, other medications, supplements, medical advices, or foods, there's a simple way to report the problem to the FDA.
Drug Information
Looking for info on a specific drug? Find information the on dosage, side effects, and interactions of common Migraine drugs.
Migraine and Headache Preventive Medications - Too Many Options To Give Up!
For frequent headaches or Migraines, preventive medications can be a good option. There are over 100 medications and supplements and virtually endless combinations of them available today. To give each medication a fair trial, would take 25 years!
Medication Overuse Headache - When the Remedy Backfires
Learn more about MOH - a persistent cycle of headaches and Migraines that actually results from the use of Migraine and headache medications.
Opioids for Migraines - Why Not?
People ask why their doctors won't prescribe or limit quantities of opioids for Migraines. Let's explore the question and some answers.
Opioids: Addiction vs. Dependence
Learn the difference between addiction and dependence as it relates to the use of opioids in treating chronic pain.
Topamax (topiramate) Info
If you take or are considering taking Topamax, there is important information that you MUST review.

Herbs, Minerals, Supplements

Supplements for Migraine - They ARE Drugs
Everyone would love to keep treatment as "natural" as possible, but it's essential to remember that these products are drugs too, complete with potential side effects and contraindications.
Coenzyme Q10 for Migraine Prevention
Coenzyme Q10 has been show beneficial for Migraine prevention with few side effects.
5-HTP for Migraine - Check Before You Swallow
5-HTP can be a helpful supplement for Migraine, but caution should be exercised and your physician consulted before taking it.

Medication News and Research

FDA Approves Botox for Migraine
The FDA has approved Botox for the treatment of chronic Migraine, defined as having Migraines 15 days or more per month, lasting four hours or longer per day.
IV Aspirin for Medication Overuse Headache
Research shows that aspirin administered IV can help patients withdraw from medications causing medication overuse headache.
Migraines and Headaches Related to Sports
A comprehensive look at Migraines and headaches related to sports and exercise; their diagnosis and management.
Axert FDA Approved for Adolescents
The FDA has approved Axert for episodic Migraine treatment in adolescents, ages 12- to 17-years-old.
Inhaled Oxygen Shown Effective for Cluster Headaches
A study has verified what many cluster sufferers have been saying: Inhaled oxygen can abort cluster headaches.
Intradermal Botox for Migraine, Headache, Pain Disorders
A look at intradermal Botox for the prevention of Migraines and headaches and relief from pain disorders.
IV Treatment of Refractory Migraines
Dr. John Claude Krusz has found several IV treatments to successfully treat refractory headaches and Migraines.
Migraine Abortive Telcagepant Performs Well In Trials
In the latest Phase III study, telcagepant proved safe and effective in treating Migraines and caused fewer side effects than Zomig.
Migraines, Depakote, and Birth Defects
Research indicates that taking valproic acid (Depakote) during the first trimester of pregnancy significantly increases the risk of birth defects.
Migraines, Triptan Safety, and Pregnancy
Researchers have studied a pregnancy registry to look at the effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) and Amerge (naratriptan) on infants whose mothers used these triptans during pregnancy.
Needle-Free Sumatriptan Injection for Migraines and Cluster Headaches
The FDA has approved Sumavel DosePro, the first needle-free sumatriptan injection for Migraines and cluster headaches.
New Zelrix Sumatriptan Patch for Migraine
Zelrix, a unique iontophoretic sumatriptan patch in developement for Migraine treatment, is performing well in clinical trials.
Transformed Migraine - Risk Increased by Some Medications
Research indicates that any use of barbiturates such as Fioricet or opioids is associated with increased risk of transformed Migraine.
MAP0004 Shows Promise for Aborting Migraines
MAP0004, a new Migraine abortive in clinical trials is showing great promise for faster and longer sustained Migraine treatment.
Trileptal Fails Test for Migraine Prevention
A new study shows that Trileptal, a medication that is prescribed off-label for Migraine prevention, is not effective at reducing Migraine frequency.
Risk of Suicidal Thoughts Linked to Anticonvulsant Medications
The FDA estimates that the use of antiepileptic medications doubles the incidence of suicidal behavior and ideation.
Namenda for Migraine and Chronic Headache Prevention
We now have both anecdotal and clinical evidence that Namenda can be effective in the prevention of Migraine and headache.
Topamax (topiramate) Info
If you take or are considering taking Topamax, there is important information that you MUST review.
IV Lidocaine - Effective Treatment for Refractory Migraines in the Clinic
Lidocaine given by IV drip is found to be effective at easing Migraines when other treatments had failed.
Increased Patient Share of Prescription Costs Negatively Impacts Drug Treatment
New research shows that increasing the patient's share of drug costs results in poorer drug treatment.
Study Finds Sumatriptan-Naproxen Combination More Effective against Migraine Attacks
As the patents on Imitrex (sumatriptan) approach expiration, new "combination" drugs are proving more effective.
Valproate Medications, Pregnancy, and Migraine
The FDA has strengthened their warnings about taking valproate medications, including Depakote, during pregnancy because of major birth defects.
NHF Survey – Migraine-Specific Medications vs. Nonspecific Medications for Acute Treatment
The NHF finds that many Migraineurs use potentially addictive medications as a first line treatment.

Complementary & Non-Drug

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Migraine
TMS is performing well in clinical trials for Migraine with no serious adverse events. When will the FDA approve this device?
Aromatherapy for Migraines and Headaches
The use of essential oils in aromatherapy can be a wonderful complementary therapy to help with Migraines and headaches. Here are some basics.
Acupuncture for Migraine — A Sham or Miracle?
Recent scientific studies have showed both "true" and "sham" acupuncture effective in treating certain conditions including Migraine.
Plastic Surgery for Migraines?
Published results of a study seem to indicate plastic surgery may prevent Migraines, but how good is the research?
Plastic Surgery for Migraine? Maybe.
A five-year follow-up of Dr. Bahman Guyuron's plastic surgery procedures for Migraine has been published, but what does the data really tell us?
Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Migraine and Headache Prevention - 2008 Update
A look at the state of ONS for Migraine and headache prevention - the technology, trial results, FDA status, and more.
Zapping Migraine Shows Promise - Nearing FDA Approval
A portable Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device that is in clinical trials is showing great promise and may be FDA approved and available for use sometime this year.

Featured Quiz

How well do you know your Migraine medication?

Preventive, abortive, and rescue medications are all part of an effective treatment regimen. How well do you know your medications? Let’s find out with this short quiz!

Find out more >>