Preventive Medication
Preventive medication can be particularly useful in people who experience frequent migraine attacks. Preventive medications are taken before migraines happen so you may experience fewer of them. You may still have to occasionally use acute medications (medications that are taken when migraines occur).
While you may still have migraines, preventive medications can reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraines. Preventive medications may therefore also help to reduce the amount of acute medications you need to take.
Medications used for the prevention of migraines include:
- Beta-blockers (e.g. propanolol and metoprolol)
- Serotonin antagonists (e.g. pizotifen)
- Anti-epileptic drugs (e.g. topiramate)
- Ergot derivatives (e.g. methysergide)
Each type of preventive medication works differently, therefore it is important that you work with your doctor to find the drug that may be right for you.
You may be prescribed preventive medication if you:
- Experience frequent migraine (usually 2 or more migraines per month)
- Have recurring migraines that significantly interfere with your daily routine
- Are overusing acute medications
- Cannot use acute medication
Click here to determine whether you may be suitable for preventive medication.
