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what is an appropriate prophylaxis treatment for migraine headaches

by Marlene Nolan Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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First-line therapies for migraine prophylaxis in adults include propranolol (Inderal), timolol (Blocadren), amitriptyline, divalproex (Depakote), sodium valproate, and topiramate (Topamax).Jan 1, 2006

What are home remedies for migraine headaches?

Oct 21, 2021 · Propranolol is the most common and one of the most effective first-line medications used for migraine prophylaxis. The starting dose is 40 mg to 160 mg and can go up to 320 mg daily. It may take up to 12 weeks at an adequate dose for therapeutic benefits to become apparent. Other beta-blockers that can be used are timolol, atenolol, and metoprolol.

What is the latest treatment for migraine headaches?

19 rows · Apr 20, 2010 · Prophylaxis should be considered for patients whose migraines affect their quality of life ...

How to choose a preventive medication for migraine?

DRUGS WITH AN ESTABLISHED ROLE IN MIGRAINE PROPHYLAXIS First-line agents The first-line agents with the greatest efficacy are β-blockers, tricyclic …

Which treatment is best for your headaches?

16 rows · Apr 01, 2022 · First-line therapies for migraine prophylaxis in adults include propranolol (Inderal), timolol ...

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What is the best prophylaxis for migraine?

Propranolol is the most common and one of the most effective first-line medications used for migraine prophylaxis. The starting dose is 40 mg to 160 mg and can go up to 320 mg daily.Oct 21, 2021

What is the first-line treatment for migraine headaches?

Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are first-line treatments for mild to moderate migraines, whereas triptans are first-line treatments for moderate to severe migraines. Although triptans are effective, they may be expensive.Feb 15, 2018

What is the most effective treatment for migraines?

Many people who have migraines find that over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen, can help to reduce their symptoms. They tend to be most effective if taken at the first signs of a migraine attack, as this gives them time to absorb into your bloodstream and ease your symptoms.

Which anticonvulsant may also be used as prophylaxis for migraine headaches?

sodium valproate (Depakote® and Depakote® ER) topiramate (Topamax®, Topiragen®, Qudexy DR®, and Trokendi®-XR2)

Is migraine prophylaxis effective?

Most medications for migraine prophylaxis can take anywhere from 2 to 3 months to see full results, with the best results after about 6 months. Ultimately, the goal of migraine prophylaxis is a 50 percent reduction in migraine frequency over a full year.Jul 28, 2021

What is the meaning of migraine prophylaxis?

Prophylaxis requires daily administration of anti-migraine compounds, whether or not a migraine attack is occurring. All the drugs used for migraine prevention have potential and often relevant adverse events or contraindications, and may also interfere with other concurrent conditions and treatments.

What is Nurtec ODT used for?

This medication is used to prevent or treat migraine. Rimegepant may work by changing the amount of a certain natural substance in the brain. It helps to relieve headache, pain, and other migraine symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound).

How much propranolol should I take for migraines?

In one study, propranolol at a maximum dosage of 60 mg per day in three divided doses for children weighing less than 77 lb (35 kg), and 120 mg per day in three divided doses for children weighing 77 lb or more, produced a reduction in headache frequency of two thirds (NNT = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.10). All other studies of various medications showed no benefit, but may have been too small to conclude that these agents are ineffective. 25, 26

What is the best medication for migraines during pregnancy?

27 If needed, category C drugs such as propranolol, amitriptyline, gabapentin, fluoxetine, or topiramate also may be considered. 28 [ corrected] Labetalol (Normodyne), 150 mg twice per day, has shown success in migraine prevention during pregnancy. 29 Valproic acid and its derivatives and high doses of vitaminB 2 can be teratogenic and should be avoided. 27 Lisinopril and candesartan should not be used during pregnancy. 28

Is amitriptyline a first line antidepressant?

ANTIDEPRESSANTS. Amitriptyline is a first-line agent for migraine prophylaxis 4 and is the only antidepressant with consistent evidence supporting its effectiveness for this use. One study involving 162 persons with migraines compared amitriptyline therapy (50 to 100 mg daily) with placebo over four weeks.

Is divalproex good for migraines?

Divalproex (Depakote) and sodium valproate are well supported by evidence for use in migraine prevention. 7, 11 For a migraine frequency reduction of 50 percent or more, authors of a Cochrane review 12 of anticonvulsants for migraine prophylaxis calculated a number needed to treat (NNT) of 3.1 (95% CI, 1.9 to 8.9) for sodium valproate and 4.8 (95% CI, 3.5 to 7.4) for divalproex. However, these medications have comparatively high adverse event rates. The Cochrane review 12 showed that anticonvulsants as a class have a low calculated number needed to harm (NNH). According to the Cochrane review, 12 the NNH for nausea is 6.6 (95% CI, 5.0 to 9.8); for fatigue, 12.3 (95% CI, 7.6 to 31.8); for tremor, 12.4 (95% CI, 8.9 to 20.1); for weight gain, 16.0 (95% CI, 8.5 to 154.4); and for dizziness, 16.3 (95% CI, 9.5 to 57.9). Drug levels must be monitored if toxicity or compliance are in question. Gastrointestinal side effects generally diminish with continued use. Because of their teratogenicity, valproic acid (Depakene) and derivatives should not be used in patients who are pregnant. They also should not be used in patients with a history of pancreatitis or hepatic disorder, such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. 10

Does candesartan help with migraines?

The rate of response to candesartan, based on a 50 percent or more reduction in the number of days with migraine, was 40.4 percent, compared with 3.5 percent for placebo ( P < .001).

Does diltiazem help with migraines?

Evidence does not support the use of diltiazem (Cardizem) in migraine prevention, and the evidence for several other calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine (Procardia), is poor and suggests only modest effect. 6

Can verapamil be used for migraines?

Data and expert opinion are mixed regarding some agents, such as verapamil and feverfew; these can be considered in migraine prevention when other medications cannot be used. Evidence supports the use of timed-release dihydroergotamine mesylate, but patients should be monitored closely for adverse effects.

Effectiveness

Divalproex sodium and sodium valproate both showed effectiveness for reducing migraine headache rate in clinical studies. Topiramate was also found to significantly reduce migraine frequency in 11 different studies. Gabapentin, lamotrigine, and oxcarbazepine have shown mixed results in their effectiveness for migraine prophylaxis.

Side effects

Vitamin supplements don’t commonly cause side effects if they’re taken as directed and they’re not interacting with another medication you may be taking or a health condition you may have. That said, you should always talk with a doctor before taking any kind of supplements.

What is the best treatment for migraines?

Also known as acute or abortive treatment, these types of drugs are taken during migraine attacks and are designed to stop symptoms. Preventive medications. These types of drugs are taken regularly, often daily, to reduce the severity or frequency of migraines.

What medications can help with migraines?

Blood pressure-lowering medications. These include beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran XL, others) and metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil (Verelan) can be helpful in preventing migraines with aura. Antidepressants .

What is the best way to diagnose migraines?

Diagnosis. If you have migraines or a family history of migraines, a doctor trained in treating headaches (neurologist) will likely diagnose migraines based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical and neurological examination. If your condition is unusual, complex or suddenly becomes severe, tests to rule out other causes ...

How long does dihydroergotamine last?

Available as a nasal spray or injection, this drug is most effective when taken shortly after the start of migraine symptoms for migraines that tend to last longer than 24 hours. Side effects can include worsening of migraine-related vomiting and nausea.

What is MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and blood vessels. MRI scans help doctors diagnose tumors, strokes, bleeding in the brain, infections, and other brain and nervous system (neurological) conditions. Computerized tomography (CT) scan.

How to get rid of migraines?

When symptoms of migraine start, try heading to a quiet, darkened room. Close your eyes and rest or take a nap. Place a cool cloth or ice pack wrapped in a towel or cloth on your forehead or at the back of your neck.

Does Lasmiditan cause headaches?

This newer oral tablet is approved for the treatment of migraine with or without aura. In drug trials, lasmiditan significantly improved headache pain. Lasmiditan can have a sedative effect and cause dizziness, so people taking it are advised not to drive or operate machinery for at least eight hours.

What is the best treatment for migraines?

Combination analgesics containing aspirin, caffeine, and acetaminophen are an effective first-line abortive treatment for migraine. Ibuprofen at standard doses is effective for acute migraine treatment.

How to diagnose migraines?

Table 1 lists International Headache Society diagnostic criteria for migraine with and without aura. 2 A thorough history and physical examination can help confirm the diagnosis of migraine and rule out emergent conditions. The mnemonic POUND is an evidence-based aid for migraine diagnosis 3 : 1 Pulsatile quality of headache 2 One-day duration (four to 72 hours) 3 Unilateral location 4 Nausea or vomiting 5 Disabling intensity

What is cluster headache?

Uncommon; sudden onset; duration of minutes to hours; repeats over a course of weeks, then may disappear for months or years; unilateral lacrimation and nasal congestion; severe unilateral and periorbital pain; more common in men; patient is restless during episode. Encephalitis.

How long does migraine last without aura?

Migraine without aura. Diagnostic criteria: Headache lasts four to 72 hours (untreated or unsuccessfully treated) Headache has at least two of the following: Aggravation by or causing avoidance of routine physical activity (e.g., walking, climbing stairs) Moderate or severe pain intensity.

How long does aura last?

Each symptom lasts at least five minutes, but no longer than 60 minutes. Headache fulfilling criteria for migraine without aura begins during the aura or follows aura within 60 minutes.

Is dexamethasone good for migraines?

Dexamethasone may be a useful adjunct to standard therapy in preventing short-term headache recurrence. Intranasal lidocaine may also have a role in relief of acute migraine. Isometheptene-containing compounds and intranasal dihydroergotamine are also reasonable therapeutic options.

Is ibuprofen good for migraines?

Ibuprofen at standard doses is effective for acute migraine treatment. Intravenous metoclopramide (Reglan) is effective for acute migraine treatment. Parenteral dexamethasone is useful as an adjunctive treatment in the emergency department to help prevent short-term headache recurrence.

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