Acute Medication

Acute medications are treatments taken at the onset of a migraine attack to reduce the symptoms associated with migraine. There are a variety of medications available for the acute treatment of migraines, depending upon the severity of the attack.

Medications used at the onset of migraines include:

• Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Paracetamol
• Ergotamine
• Anti-nausea drugs (e.g. domperidone, metoclopramide, prochlorperazine)
• Triptans (e.g. sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan)

When you start to experience a migraine it is a good idea to rest in a quiet, darkened room and avoid any activity. If you experience frequent migraines, your doctor may prescribe medication for you to prevent recurrent migraines.