Migraine Treatments Losing Effectiveness

Sometimes, migraine medications that once worked well stop helping over time. This happens because your body gets used to them or your migraines change. It's normal and doesn't mean you're out of options.

Common over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stop migraine headaches once they've begun. If your usual dose stops working, don't just take more. Your doctor can help you find a new option.

Triptans are strong migraine medications that stop headaches by reducing inflammation and narrowing your blood vessels, which are both key factors in a migraine. Triptans can become less effective over time. If one triptan stops working, another might still help. 

If NSAIDs and triptans don't work, second-line treatments, such as CGRP inhibitors or lasmiditan, might help. These medications target your nerve endings instead of narrowing blood vessels, making them a good option for people with heart issues.

Sometimes, taking two different types of migraine medications together works better than using just one. For example, using triptans with NSAIDs might work better for some people. Your doctor can help you find safe combinations that won't cause bad side effects.

If you get migraines often, taking preventative medication might work better than treating each attack. Some daily pills, such as certain blood pressure medications or anti-seizure drugs, can reduce how often you get migraines.

Simple changes, such as keeping regular sleep hours, eating meals on time, and exercising, can make a big difference. It is also important to find and avoid your personal migraine triggers, such as certain foods or stress.