While triggers are often easy to identify, the exact cause of migraines is unknown. Even armed with awareness, sufferers can still find themselves in debilitating pain. If you experience migraines, you should talk with a doctor about these treatment options.
Over the Counter Pain Relievers
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can be bought at any grocery store or pharmacy without the need for a prescription. However, you might want to avoid drugs like acetaminophen because they don’t help with inflammation, which is why migraines are so painful.
Triptan
This is a class of drug, with several different medications that fit under its umbrella. Triptans are recommended for people whose migraines aren’t helped by NSAIDs. They can be administered as pills, injections or nasal sprays and have anti-inflammation properties. Side effects can be a little more intense than NSAIDs and may not be a good fit if you have high blood pressure, a heart condition or are an older adult. There may also be interactions depending on other medications you take.
Botox Injections
If all other treatments have failed to bring lasting relief, you might want to look into Botox for migraines Jacksonville FL to address your pain. It’s an FDA-approved treatment and is recommended especially for people who have more bad days than good when it comes to migraines. Results are cumulative, with effectiveness building with every treatment.
CGRP Inhibitors
CGRP is short for calcitonin gene-related peptide and is a chemical associated with inflammation. While it’s useful for healing, it also causes a lot of pain, and by blocking it you can prevent migraines or reduce their frequency and severity. They can be taken in pill form or injected, much like epinephrine.
Finding the right treatment may take some experimentation and patience, but relief is possible. If your primary care doctor isn’t helpful in your search, ask for a referral to a neurologist to help get you on the right track.
