Migraine Treatment

This service is suitable if you:

• ✅ Are between 17 and 65 years of age
• ✅ Have been diagnosed with migraine with aura or migraine without aura by a doctor
• ✅ Are seeking treatment for acute migraine episodes for yourself

Note: This service does not cover preventive migraine treatments.

This service is not suitable if you:

• ❌ Have never been diagnosed with migraine or have a different type of migraine (e.g., menstrual, abdominal, hemiplegic)
• ❌ Are under 17 or over 65 years of age
• ❌ Are requesting medication for another person
• ❌ Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• ❌ Had your first migraine in the past 12 months or your migraines started after age 50
• ❌ Have cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, etc.)
• ❌ Have epilepsy or a history of seizures
• ❌ Have liver or kidney disease
• ❌ Need a prescription for preventive migraine medication or opiates

For any severe or unusual symptoms, please seek immediate medical advice.

A migraine is a moderate to severe headache that usually causes throbbing pain on one side of the head, lasting between 4 and 72 hours. Many experience additional symptoms, such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells

Migraines are episodic, with symptom-free periods between attacks, and they often begin in early adulthood.

A migraine episode can last from 4 to 72 hours. If symptoms persist longer than 72 hours, consult a doctor for further advice.

• Common types of migraines include:

  • Migraine with Aura: Includes specific warning signs, such as visual disturbances or tingling sensations.
  • Migraine without Aura: The most common type, with no warning signs.
  • Migraine Aura without Headache: Known as “silent migraine,” where symptoms occur without headache pain.

While there is no cure for migraines, treatments are available to help manage symptoms. AMAE Clinic provides four main types of medicines for acute migraine relief:

• Simple Painkillers: Paracetamol (available over-the-counter)
• Anti-Inflammatory Painkillers: Ibuprofen, aspirin (available over-the-counter)
• Triptan Medications: Prescription migraine medications
• Anti-Sickness Medications: To control nausea

Note: Avoid codeine-containing medications (e.g., Solpadeine), as they may worsen nausea and lead to medication overuse headaches.

Frequent use of painkillers can lead to medication overuse headaches, occurring more than 15 days per month. To prevent this, avoid taking paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medication on more than 15 days per month and limit triptan use to 10 days per month.

Triptans are prescription medications that relieve migraines by constricting enlarged blood vessels in the brain. They are available in tablets, dissolvable tablets, and nasal sprays.

Important Tips:

• Take triptans when headache pain begins, not during the aura phase.
• Do not combine different triptans or exceed recommended doses.
• Side effects may include flushing, dizziness, and drowsiness.

• For nausea relief, anti-sickness medications can be effective. They generally work within an hour and can be taken up to three times in 24 hours if needed. Side effects may include drowsiness and blurred vision; avoid alcohol and driving while taking these.

It is essential to read the information leaflet provided with your medication for comprehensive details on potential side effects.

Important Warning: There is a very rare but serious risk of developing a condition known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Symptoms include high temperature, rapid heart rate, sweating, and confusion. If these occur, seek URGENT medical assistance immediately—call 999.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding can affect migraines, sometimes improving symptoms and other times worsening them. Most medications for acute migraine management should be avoided if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. It is recommended to speak directly with a doctor for personalized advice.

Note: This service is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

During a migraine, the following may provide some relief:

• Rest in a dark, quiet room
• Apply a cool pack to the area of pain
• Stay well-hydrated
• Minimize stress and anxiety
• Avoid known triggers

Consult a doctor if:

• Your migraine symptoms change or worsen
• You need frequent medication (more than 10 days/month)
• You experience over four migraines per month

For further guidance, visit a trusted resource or book a video consultation with one of our Irish-registered doctors.