Migraine treatment isn't one-size-fits-all — some people stop attacks with a single pill, while others need monthly shots or Botox to get back to normal. If you get migraines regularly, you want clear steps: what to use during an attack, what to try to prevent them, and when to see a doctor.
When a migraine hits, act fast. Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or naproxen help many people at the start of an attack. But if OTC meds fail, prescription choices include triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan) that narrow blood vessels and block pain pathways. For nausea, an antiemetic such as metoclopramide can make other pills easier to keep down.
Newer options include gepants and ditans — they work differently from triptans and can be safer for people with certain heart issues. Remember: using acute meds too often can cause rebound headaches. Try to limit acute treatment to a few days a week and talk with your doctor about frequency.
If you have more than a few migraines a month or they severely limit your life, prevention is worth exploring. Daily oral preventives include beta blockers, certain antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs. Injectable CGRP-blocking drugs (monthly or quarterly) are a game-changer for many people — they lower attack frequency and are easy to use.
Botox injections help people with chronic migraine (15+ headache days a month). For nerve-related pain or muscle tension that triggers headaches, options like muscle relaxants are sometimes used; read a clear guide on cyclobenzaprine here: Flexeril uses, side effects, dosage.
Lifestyle changes are powerful. Track triggers (sleep, caffeine, weather, certain foods), keep a regular sleep and meal schedule, stay hydrated, and manage stress with short daily habits — 15 minutes of walking or breathing exercises can matter.
Traveling with migraines needs planning — pack meds, sleep aids, and a small ice pack. Our travel tips explain how to reduce attacks on vacation: Traveling with Migraines: Prevention and Management on Vacation. If you’re considering alternatives to common pain shots, read this first-person look at switching from Toradol to cannabis: Pittsburgh Steelers Alum Embraces Cannabis Over Toradol.
Also explore non-opioid pain choices and medication swaps in these articles: 7 Effective Alternatives to Naproxen and Top 5 Neurontin Alternatives.
When to see a doctor? If migraines get worse, change pattern, start after age 50, or come with fever/confusion/weakness, get urgent care. For routine management, a neurologist or headache specialist can map a plan that matches your life.
Want help finding safe meds or talking to a prescriber online? Reach out via our contact page: Get in Touch. Migraine care gets better when you pair the right treatment with smart daily habits.
