Treatment Migraine

This section is about what over the counter treatments are available (not all treatments may be available in that country) and how they help.

Please check all ingredients and check one is not allergic or sensitive to them

Aim:

Provide pain relief and continue your daily routine.

There are a wide range of painkillers and anti-inflammatory painkillers available and are available in a variety of forms from sachets, liquids, lozenges, tablets and soluble tablets and patches.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol has no anti-inflammatory action. It does help to reduce temperature and pain by blocking signals to the brain and is gentle on the stomach.
Paracetamol must be taken to the manufacturer’s direction.
Do not exceed dose as it can be dangerous.
Please be aware Paracetamol can be found in many cold and flu products so don’t take them together or talk to your pharmacist if one is not sure.
Do not store in the fridge.

Aspirin, Ibuprofen

These are known as NSAIDs – Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.
They have painkilling, anti-inflammatory and lowering fever properties by helping to blocking prostaglandins.
They can cause stomach upset (extra caution must be taken with those who have a stomach ulcer) so it is important to have it with or after food.
It can also raise one’s blood pressure (extra caution on those with heart problems). They must be taken according to manufacturer’s directions as exceeding the does can be dangerous.
Please be aware that cold and flu products have NSAIDs. do not take at same time or talk to your pharmacist if one is not sure.

Codeine / Dihydrcodeine

These medications have only a painkilling property and are used in combination with other painkillers.
They can cause drowsiness and constipation and if taken long term they can be addictive, hence one should not take it longer than three days without your medical doctor’s advice.
They are normally used if one needs a strong painkilling response. Please be aware cough mixtures, including dextromethorphan have similar ingredients, do not take at same time or talk to your pharmacist if one is not sure.

Caffeine

Caffeine acts as a mild stimulant and is found in combination with other painkillers for moderate pain. It should only be used for a short period.
It has no fever or anti-inflammatory properties.

Cold Products

These products bring a cooling sensation to one’s head and help with headaches.

Triptans

It works by counter-acting the low level effects of serotonin which occurs in a migraine attack.
All triptans should be taken early during an attack.
They help to control the ascending pain sensory signals and regulate descending signalling in tandem, potentially reducing the pain signal impulses and potentiating descending inhibition of pain stimuli.
It should be considered if the above painkillers does not help or is not suitable and/or used in severe migraine attacks.
Nasal sprays are available and are useful in those who have vomiting symptoms.

Vitamins

Multivitamins are not intended to prevent long term conditions, reduce infection and is not proven (or data is weak) to help with cancer.

These are essential nutrients that the body requires in small amounts to function properly.