Whether it’s a crippling tension headache or a throbbing sinus migraine, headaches come in various forms and can disrupt our daily lives. Worldwide, over a billion people are impacted by migraine headaches, making it a pervasive and significant health concern. Shockingly, this means that more than one in seven adults in the United States alone experience the debilitating effects of migraine attacks.

In light of these startling statistics, community pharmacy in Houston has been diligently striving toward offering the most effective migraine headache medications and drugs to alleviate symptoms while enhancing the lives of those who are affected by them. 

In this blog, we will delve into the best treatment options and migraine medicines available for managing and relieving migraine headaches, offering valuable insights & guidance.

An Overview of Migraine Headache: 

The term “migraine” itself is derived from the Greek word “hemicrania,” which means “pain in half of the head,” reflecting the typical unilateral nature of the pain. The migraine term eventually comes from a French translation.

A migraine is a type of headache that feels like a throbbing or pounding pain that tends to be worse on one side of the head, accompanied by other symptoms including nausea. This neurological disease is characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe that may last 4 to 72 hours depending on the stages of migraine headaches.

Moreover, Migraine is not usually life-threatening, yet severely interferes with your life. It also increases your risk of serious conditions like stroke and heart attack. Some migraine symptoms can also look like stroke symptoms. Because of that, chronic migraine needs expert monitoring and treatment. If things are slipping from your hands and symptoms are getting worse – It’s better to reach out to your doctor and get prescription migraine medicines from a drug store in Houston. 

Types of Migraine Headaches:

• Migraine with Aura (Warning) Headache – Troublesome 
• Migraine without Aura Headache – Very Common
• Hemiplegic Migraine Headache – Quite Complicated
• Chronic Migraine Headache – Complicated
• Retinal Migraine Headache – Rare & Severe
• Status Migrainosus – Rare & Severe

Stages of Migraine

• Prodrome – Pre-migraine phase with mild & common symptoms
• Aura – Reversible symptoms often involving vision and sensory changes
• Attack – Intense, pulsating head pain often concentrated on one side, accompanied by the most severe symptoms.
• Post-Prodrome – This stage lastly occurs after the headache subsided; people may feel elated or extremely fatigued.

Migraine Symptoms & Signs

• Light Sensitivity
• Nausea & Fatigue
• Abdominal Pain
• One-sided or Both-sided Head Pain
• Feeling cold or sweaty
• Sensory changes
• Difficulty focusing

Migraine Causes & Triggered Factors

• Bright and Blinky Light Exposure
• Certain Foods and Drinks/Skipping Meals
• Improper Sleep Cycle
• Weather Changes
• Stress & Anxiety
• Dehydration
• Hormonal Changes in Women

The Best Migraine Medicines & Drugs:

The best migraine medicines and drugs are tailored to the individual based on the frequency, severity, and specific symptoms of their migraines. Here are some commonly provided migraine medicines by drugstores in Houston:

Over the Counter Migraine Medicines

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen 
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Naproxen (Aleve)
• Other NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)

Doctor Prescription Migraine Medicines/Triptans

• Sumatriptan Eletriptan
• Naratriptan
• Zolmitriptan
• Rizatriptan
• Frovatriptan
• Almotriptan

Other (If Health Expert Recommended)

• Dihydroergotamine (Migranal) – It is available as a nasal spray or an injection.
• CGRP Receptor Antagonists – Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) is the strongest migraine medicine.
• Ditans – Reyvow is a more powerful drug than triptans, with said relief in two hours.

The Most Effective Migraine Treatment Options:

The best ways to treat migraines are as follows: these methods usually combine lifestyle changes with counseling to provide efficient migraine management.

• Keep yourself hydrated
• A cold pack might work well. 
• Use a heating pad or hot compress.
• Ease pressure on your scalp or head.
• Dim the lights and try to get some sleep.
• Practice yoga and breathing exercises.
• Press acupressure points in your hands.

Bottom Line

In general, if you have any concerns about your migraines, including their frequency, severity, impact on your life, or the effectiveness of your current treatment plan, it’s advisable to seek the guidance of a healthcare professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment recommendations, and ongoing management to help you effectively address your migraine symptoms.

Whether you require prescription migraine medicines or over-the-counter migraine drugs to get relief from migraine symptoms, we got you covered. Scott Read Pharmacy is a reputable Pharmacy in Houston that prioritizes customer satisfaction and strives to ensure that each individual receives the best possible assistance for their health and wellness needs.