Drugs used for migraine
Aspirin, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
Aspirin - the most commonly used worldwide. Three aspirin taken at the onset is the standard recommended dose for migraine.
Aspirin is cassed as an 'NSAID' -(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Other Nsaids are Neurofen, and diclofenac (also known as Voltarol) and many more. They offer pain relief. These are slightly different in their action and some can be more effective in pain relief for some people. There are risks to health from any NSAIDs. Internal bleeding can occur where a small perforation in any part of the alimentary tract can remain open and allow continuous bleeding. This is due to interference with the clotting agent in blood. This type of incident is often referred to as a 'G.I. bleed' (Gastro-intestinal bleed).
The statistics are that 1 in 12,000 nsaid takers result in death.
Class I & II drugs for pain relief
- Codeine - mild narcotic- a nuisance side-effect is that it often causes constipation
- Morphine, fentanyl - narcotics - also cause constipation
- OTC - Over-The-Counter medication
- Migraleve - contains an anti-emetic (anti-nausea and sickness) plus analgesic.
- Migramax - asprin/metaclopramide/lysine. Metaclopramide helps with gut motility which usually stops during a migraine attack. Often migraine sufferers vomit their medication intact even hours after they were taken because the easophagus, and the stomach cease all movements at the neginning of a migraine. Metaclopramide encourages this movement once again, and allows any medication to be properly absorbed. The lysine added to the medication makes the aspirin 200 x more soluable, so it passes through the wall of the stomach very quickly, and this gives the migraine a 'hard hit'. The equivalent of three aspirin is included in the dose.
- Triptans: Triptans are also referred to as HT5, (serotonin) agonists.
