What Can You Do About It
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If you suffer from migraines you may find it useful to consult with your doctor to help. Not every migraine is the same, even for the same person, so you may want to use different treatments for different migraines.
There is currently no cure for migraine, but there are several treatments available to ease the symptoms.
Over the counter medicines
If you think you may be suffering from migraines, it is a good idea to see a doctor to gain an accurate diagnosis. You may find that painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin; or combination treatments containing an analgesic and an anti-sickness agent, can help to reduce your migraine symptoms. However, if you find that you cannot manage your migraines using these medicines, your GP may recommend something stronger.
Painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin may help to relieve your headache, if taken at the first signs of a migraine attack, allowing them time to absorb into the bloodstream. When taking these medicines, always make sure you read the instructions on the packaging and follow the dosage recommendations. Children under 16 should not take aspirin unless it is under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Triptan medicines taken with painkillers and possibly anti-sickness medication may be recommended to you by your GP if ordinary painkillers are not relieving your migraine symptoms. Triptans are available as tablets, injections and nasal sprays. You will usually have a follow-up appointment after your first course of treatment. If the medication was ineffective or caused unpleasant side effects, your GP may recommend a different type of triptan.
Combination treatments work to treat your headache and nausea symptoms, containing both painkillers and anti-sickness medicines (anti-emetics). They should be taken at the first sign of a migraine attack. One such medication is MIGRALEVE™, which contains two analgesics, paracetamol and codeine to treat your head pain, together with buclizine to relieve nausea. Click here to find out more about our products.
Avoiding Potential Migraine Triggers
Several factors have been identified that may trigger a migraine, these include but are not limited to: emotional, physical, dietary and environmental triggers. By observing these and keeping a Migraine Trigger Diary along with some lifestyle changes, it may help you manage your migraine attacks.
