Quick Relief for Migraines: 8 Options
Migraines are debilitating headaches that affect millions of people worldwide, causing intense pain, sensitivity to light and sound and often nausea or vomiting. For those who suffer from these neurological events, finding fast and effective relief is paramount. If you're looking for quick relief for migraines, keep reading. We'll review different treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks.
Effective Medications for Migraine Relief
1. Qulipta (Atogepant)
Qulipta is one of the newer preventive treatments for episodic migraines in adults. As an oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, it works by blocking the action of CGRP, a protein involved in pain transmission during migraine attacks. What makes Qulipta particularly noteworthy is its once-daily oral dosing, which provides a convenient option for preventive treatment.
Clinical trials have shown that Qulipta can significantly reduce monthly migraine days, with many patients experiencing fewer headaches within the first month of treatment. It's generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being nausea, constipation and fatigue. This medication represents an important advancement in migraine prevention and is particularly beneficial for patients who experience frequent migraines but want to avoid daily injections or infusions.
2. Triptans
Triptans remain one of the most commonly prescribed acute treatments for migraines. Medications such as sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt) and zolmitriptan (Zomig) work by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain. These medications are most effective when taken at the very first sign of a migraine attack rather than waiting until the pain becomes severe.
Available in multiple forms including tablets, nasal sprays and injections, triptans provide versatility for different patient needs. The injectable forms typically work fastest, providing relief within minutes, while oral tablets may take 30-60 minutes to take effect. For people experiencing sudden onset migraines or those with severe nausea, the non-oral options can be particularly valuable.
3. Gepants
Gepants represent another class of CGRP-targeting medications but are used for acute treatment rather than prevention. Medications like ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) and rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) are newer to the market and provide an alternative for patients who don't respond well to triptans or cannot take them due to cardiovascular concerns.
These medications often work within 1-2 hours and can effectively relieve migraine pain and associated symptoms like nausea and light sensitivity. A notable advantage of gepants is their ability to work even when taken hours after a migraine begins, unlike triptans which are most effective when taken early.
4. NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and aspirin can be effective for treating mild to moderate migraines. For some people, taking NSAIDs at the first sign of a migraine can prevent the headache from becoming severe.
Over-the-counter options are readily accessible, making them a convenient first line of defense. Some prescription-strength NSAIDs are also available and specifically formulated for migraines. These medications work by reducing inflammation and pain by blocking enzymes in the body.
5. Anti-Nausea Medications
For many migraine sufferers, nausea and vomiting can be as debilitating as the head pain itself. Medications such as metoclopramide (Reglan), prochlorperazine (Compazine) and ondansetron (Zofran) can help manage these symptoms.
Beyond simply treating nausea, these medications can improve the absorption of other migraine medications taken orally, making them more effective. Some anti-nausea medications also have pain-relieving properties themselves, providing a dual benefit.
Non-Pharmaceutical Approaches
6. Neuromodulation Devices
FDA-approved devices like Cefaly (which delivers electrical impulses to the trigeminal nerve), gammaCore (which stimulates the vagus nerve) and SpringTMS (which uses magnetic stimulation) offer non-drug alternatives for treating and preventing migraines.
These devices can be particularly beneficial for patients who experience significant side effects from medications or those who prefer non-pharmaceutical approaches. While the devices require an initial investment, they provide ongoing treatment without medication side effects or concerns about medication overuse headaches.
7. Cold Therapy
Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the forehead, temples or neck can help reduce pain during a migraine attack. Cold therapy works by constricting blood vessels and numbing nerve endings, which can temporarily dull pain signals.
Many migraine sufferers find that 15-20 minutes of cold therapy provides noticeable relief, especially when combined with lying down in a dark and quiet environment. Specialized migraine cold packs that conform to the head and stay in place are particularly helpful.
8. Relaxation Techniques
Practices such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and biofeedback can help reduce migraine pain by alleviating stress and tension that may trigger or worsen attacks.
These techniques require practice but can become powerful tools for managing migraines without medication. Many patients find that incorporating these practices into their daily routine helps reduce both the frequency and severity of migraines over time.
Keep reading to learn how to find medication coupons online.