- Is migraine inherited?
- Is my migraine linked to my menstrual cycle?
- Is there something serious causing the pain of migraine?
- I feel 'woolly headed' after a migraine attack. Is this normal?
- I get tingling in my arm during a migraine attack. Is this normal?
- What drugs can be taken during pregnancy?
- What is the best medication for migraine?
- Can I use complementary treatments in conjunction with medications?
- Why was I prescribed an anti depressant for migraine when I know I'm not depressed?
- What is the risk of stroke if I am a migraine sufferer and am on the pill?
There is no easy answer to this question. Migraine medications are very individual. One person might respond very well to a particular drug, yet the same drug might have no impact at all for another person. So the best drug is really the one that works for you. Up to a third of people with migraine can satisfactorily manage migraine with over-the-counter treatments such as paracetamol, codeine, ibuprofen or aspirin. Some people find that these work better if taken with an anti-nausea drug. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used as a first line therapy. These may be particularly useful for those who get their attacks at around the time of their menstrual cycle. In recent years, Triptans have become the first-line medications of choice in Ireland. Statistically these medications (Sumatriptan, Almotriptan, Frovatriptan and Zolmitriptan) work in 60-80% of cases.
