Migraine is usually managed with a triptan – a non-tablet form is available on prescription if the patient is being sick – plus a simple analgesic. Opioids are not a recommended form of treatment. Anti-sickness medication is sometimes needed too. A good strategy is to try and work out if there is a trigger – strong smells or foods such as chocolate, red wine and cheese are often blamed, or bright lights, hormonal changes or not eating, drinking or sleeping enough – so keeping a headache diary can be helpful. However, it is sensible to caution anyone doing this that they might not find what sets off their migraine, or they might find more than one trigger.

Frequent migraine sufferers may need preventative treatment. Propranolol and topiramate are some of the more common medicines prescribed for this. Some individuals are able to predict when they are going to get a migraine. They may get distinctive aura symptoms or know that it will happen at a certain point during their menstrual cycle, so may be prescribed a triptan to take just before or as soon as it starts.

Remember!

OTC triptans may only be sold if there is a clear diagnosis of migraine by a doctor or pharmacist.