What are the main types of medicines used in migraine?
The medicines available today for migraine can be grouped according to their uses into those that: • relieve pain e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and analgesics such as ibuprofen or tolfenamic acid, and products containing aspirin, paracetamol or codeine alone, or in various combinations, • control other symptoms such as nausea e.g. prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, buclizine, domperidone, sometimes in combination with analgesics, • are preventive and have long-term use e.g. some beta-blockers such as metoprolol, nadolol and timolol, as well as clonidine, pizotifen a serotonin antagonist, and some anti-epileptics, • offer acute relief of an attack already started, e.g. ergotamine, isometheptine, and the triptans, and • other agents e.g. antihistamines and minor tranquillisers which seem to benefit a few people whose migraine is food-related or who are anxious.
