Migraine Headache Relief

Symptoms of migraines

Migraine headaches are severe, usually at the front of the head and usually throbbing. Migraine is common affecting about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 12 men in the UK.

With migraine there is often:

• Nausea, queasiness and sometimes vomiting
• Inability to carry on normal daily activities (people suffering a migraine often want to lie in a darkened room)
• Heightened sensitivity: intolerance of bright light, noise and strong smells

Migraines can last from a few hours up to 3 days. After migraine headaches have gone, tiredness is common and can last several days.

It is unusual for migraine to start after the age of 40. Some women get migraine around the time of their periods.

Migraine attacks can be triggered by stress, tiredness, and some medication. In some cases trigger foods can be identified.

Classic migraine

A quarter of people who get migraine have a warning or aura before their headaches.

This is most often a visual disturbance such as seeing zigzag lines, or blurring, or having a blind spot. Other less common auras include tingling sensations, problems with co-ordination and concentration, speech difficulty and, rarely, blackouts.

'Triptans' - Sumatriptan (Imigran)

Sumatriptan (Imigran) works by reversing the expansion of blood vessels around the brain present in migraine. The most widely used 'triptan' is Imigran, which is a brand name for the drug Sumatriptan.

Dr Fox supplies generic Sumatriptan tablets rather than the branded form of this drug, Imigran. The cost is lower. The active ingredient is the same. There is no difference in effectiveness. We also supply branded Sumatriptan Imigran nasal sprays.

POMSumatriptan and Imigran nasal spray are prescription only medicine.

Sumatriptan (Imigran) usually starts to work after 30 minutes. It does not work for everyone. Where it does not work alternative 'triptans' are worth trying.

These alternatives included almotriptan (Almogran), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Migard), naratriptan (Naramig), rizatriptan (Maxalt) and zolmitriptan (Zomig).

Other treatments of migraine

Rest, and simple painkillers containing paracetamol, anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin are the most frequent remedies. anti-sickness tablets if taken early can also help.

If painkillers are used frequently they can cause headaches. Some painkillers are associated with acid indigestion and even intestinal bleeding.

Cautions

Suptriptan has been used by millions of people throughout the world for decades and is generally considered a safe drug.

Sumtriptan (Imigran) can cause a temporary narrowing of blood vessels. People who have had strokes or mini-strokes, have problems with poor circulation, or a history of angina (heart pain on exertion) or a have had heart attacks should not take sumatriptan.

Even in people who have never had circulation problems sumatriptan can in rare situations trigger serious heart problems. The following groups should check with their GP before taking sumatriptan.

• Heavy smokers
• Men over 40
• Women after the menopause

In some rare serious cases migraine headaches are associated with paralysis, loss of vision and loss of speech. Sumatriptan is not to be used in these cases.