Medications, alternative or complementary treatments and home remedies can help with the relief of migraine symptoms.1–3 Consult your doctor for more information.
Migraine-relief medicines should be taken at the onset of migraine symptoms.1,3 They can help to relieve migraine symptoms such as pain, nausea and sensitivity to light.3 It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and medicine labels when taking any medications.
Other than medications, certain complementary or alternative treatments may help.1,2 Consult your doctor about whether these methods are suitable for you before trying them.2
Simple home remedies could also help to relieve migraine symptoms.3,8
Common medicines to relieve migraine symptoms
Your doctor may prescribe these if other treatments are not effective2,4
In clinical trials, anti-CGRP medicines were more effective in relieving pain and other migraine symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, than placebo within two hours of administration1
Common side effects include dry mouth, nausea and excessive sleepiness1
Suitable for patients with moderate to severe migraine4,5
By binding to serotonin receptors, triptans inhibit the activity of the trigeminal nerve and block the transmission of pain signals, leading to vasoconstriction of the cranial arteries to reduce migraine pain6
Can be taken with NSAIDs, which may be more effective than taking either one type of medicine alone4
Take triptans fewer than 10 days per month to avoid overuse4
Not suitable for patients with cardiovascular diseases, or are at risk of stroke or heart attack1,4
There is a risk of serotonin syndrome (i.e., a high level of serotonin in the body) if taken together with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or selective serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)4,7
Over-the-counter pain relievers are effective for patients with mild to moderate migraine3
Avoid overuse of over-the-counter pain relievers because they could cause medication overuse headaches or a dependency problem, as well as stomach ulcers and bleeding1–3
Consult your doctor if you take over-the-counter pain relievers more than twice a week.2,3 Your doctor may be able to suggest prescription medicines that could be more effective for you2,3
Switch to another class of medicine if NSAIDs do not work for you4
By activating serotonin receptors, these medicines block the activity of the trigeminal nerve, hence reducing migraine symptoms, which include pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound2,5
Can have a sedative effect and cause dizziness.1,4 Driving or operating machinery are not recommended for at least 8 hours after taking these medicines1,4
May be suitable for patients who cannot take triptans due to cardiovascular risks4,5
Effective against migraine that lasts for more than 24 hours and should be taken shortly after symptoms appear1
May worsen migraine-related vomiting and nausea1
May not be suitable for people with coronary heart diseases, high blood pressure, and kidney or liver problems1,4
Since opioid medicines are highly addictive, they are usually only prescribed if no other treatments are effective1
Usually taken together with pain relievers and are helpful for patients who experience nausea and vomiting with their migraine1,4
Biofeedback is a device that you wear on your head.3 It helps patients learn about the stressful situations that could lead to headache symptoms through physical responses such as muscle tension.1,3 Biofeedback may help to relieve pain associated with migraine and reduce the number of attacks8
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients to understand how certain behaviors and thoughts could affect pain perception, with the aim of reducing the sensation of pain you would otherwise experience during a migraine attack1,2
Relieve pain by sending electrical impulses to the nerves in the brain that are associated with migraine2,9
When migraine symptoms first appear, try to rest in a dark and quiet room with your eyes closed1-3,8
Message your scalp or apply pressure to your temples in a circular motion3
Apply a cool cloth or ice pack wrapped in a towel on your forehead.1–3,8 A heated cloth could also be used3
Stay relaxed and calm through meditation3
Simply answer a few questions to find out if you could have migraine now.