Migraine is a type of intense headache that may last for hours to days. A migraine headache is characterized by throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head.
Usually, people have a specific aura before getting a migraine headache, such as flashing light, sound, smell, or mental fuzziness. During a migraine attack, you may have other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or light or sound sensitivity.
In the United States, more than 30 million people suffer from migraine headaches, with the incidence more common in women than men.
Some of the potential causative factors of migraine headaches include hormonal changes, stress, alcohol, certain foods, and even genetic predisposition. Medications cannot cure migraine headaches, but they do help in controlling or preventing the symptoms.
Common Generic Drugs for Migraine Headaches
Doctors may advise analgesics, ergots, triptans, antihypertensive agents, or even anticonvulsants or antidepressants to treat or prevent migraine headaches. Finding the right drug of choice may involve some trial and error. Here are some of the common generic drugs for migraine headaches advised by doctors:
- Sumatriptan
(Generic Imitrex): It is one of the triptans, which comes in several forms,
including tablets, injections, and even nasal sprays.
- Eletriptan
(Generic Relpax): It is another triptan, which can be taken at the onset of
your migraine headaches.
- Rizatriptan
(Generic Maxalt): It is yet another triptan doctors advise at the onset of
symptoms. Generic rizatriptan is available in tablets and disintegrating
tablets, which dissolve in your mouth.
- Amitriptyline
(Generic Elavil): Amitriptyline is a prescription antidepressant belonging
to a class of drugs called tricyclics. It is also used to treat severe migraine
headaches.
- Metoprolol
(Generic Lopressor): It is a beta-blocker, an antihypertensive agent. Apart
from treating high blood pressure, generic metoprolol is effective at preventing
migraine headaches.
- Propranolol
(Generic Inderal): It is also a beta-blocker. Generic propranolol is an
antihypertensive drug that has also been found effective at preventing a migraine
headache.
- Topiramate
(Generic Topamax): It is an antiepileptic drug. Generic topiramate comes in
a regular-release tablet and extended-release capsule.
- Venlafaxine
(Generic Effexor): It is commonly advised to patients with depression. It
is also found effective at treating migraine headaches.
- Zolmitriptan
(Generic Zomig): It is a triptan, which helps relieve migraine headaches.
- Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox): The FDA has approved Botox injections in the forehead or neck muscles to treat chronic migraines. It has to be repeated every three months.
It is always recommended to talk with a doctor about your migraine medications. Your doctor would be able to suggest you the right medicine for your migraine headaches after knowing your medical history and the cause.
More importantly, you need to have a word with your doctor if you want to switch to generic drugs. You can also ask your doctor about other strategies to control your migraine headaches.
