Understanding Acute Migraine Treatment Options

Taking medication for your migraines the moment you feel pain or have a symptom (such as seeing an aura) is what doctors call acute treatment. If you have migraines, you have many options to ease your pain.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are effective for mild to moderate migraines. Both over-the-counter and prescription options are available and are known for quick relief.

These prescription drugs help block pain and affect the nerves and blood vessels involved in migraine. Generally, they're also a fast-acting option for migraines. Your doctor may recommend you take a triptan with an NSAID for a more effective treatment.

During a migraine, you have high blood levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP antagonists are a new class of drugs that block the effects of CGRP. It is an option if triptans don't work for you or if you can't take triptans because of a history of heart disease or stroke.

Some migraines might need different treatments, such as ergots (for example, dihydroergotamine), 5-HT agonists (such as lasmiditan), or combination pills that include ingredients such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. For very severe cases, corticosteroids could help, and anti-nausea meds might make it easier for other medications to be absorbed.

If medications don't work, devices that use electrical or magnetic stimulation (neuromodulation) could be an option. These treatments are noninvasive and might provide relief without medicine.