Migraine Treatment Options

It is important to discuss treatment options with your healthcare professional. If the medication that you are currently on is ineffective, there may be other treatment options that will be effective.

There are two main groups of migraine medication. Acute medications can be taken when you start to experience a migraine attack. They will help reduce the symptoms associated with migraine, and they range from over-the-counter painkillers to migraine-specific prescriptions. Preventive medications aim to reduce the number of attacks overall, which is more suitable for people with chronic or very debilitating migraines. These are taken on a regular basis, whether that is daily or every few months.

Non-medicated treatment options include lifestyle adjustments, complementary therapies such as massage, and nerve stimulation devices like Cefaly. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment options are best for your migraine and lifestyle.

We have articles about some of the different treatment approaches & specific treatment options on our website, which you can find below.

Migraine treatment directory

This table includes a brief overview of the pharmaceutical medications that may be used in Australia to treat migraine. Please note that this list does not include nerve stimulation devices, supplements, or natural remedies.

Acute medications
Type / class	Medications	Availability	Notes
Simple analgesics	Paracetamol Ibuprofen Aspirin	No prescription required	Only use 3-4 days per week
Triptans	Sumatriptan > Rizatriptan Eletriptan > Zolmitriptan Naratriptan	Prescription-only (small doses available from pharmacist)	Only use 1-2 days per week
Gepants	Rimegepant Atogepant	Prescription-only Note: atogepant is not currently available in Australia.	These medications are very new in Australia. They can also be used preventively. Read the full article about gepants here >
Ergotamines	Ergotamine tartrate	No longer available in Australia	Previously available as Cafergot
Antiemetics	Metoclopramide Prochlorperazine Domperidone	Prescription-only (small doses available from pharmacist)	Specifically for treating nausea & vomiting
Opioids	Codeine Pethidine	Prescription-only	Not recommended in most cases
Preventive medications
Type / class	Medications	Availability	Notes
Calcitonin gene-related monoclonal antibodies (CGRPs)	Galcanezumab Fremanezumab Erenumab Eptinezumab	Prescription-only	Read the full article about CGRPs here >
Botulinum toxin	Botulinum toxin / Botox	Prescription-only	Only available for chronic migraine. Read the full article about Botox for migraine here >
Beta-blockers	Propranolol Metoprolol	Prescription-only
Serotonin antagonists	Pizotifen Cyproheptadine Methysergide	Prescription-only
Anticonvulsants	Valproate Topiramate Lamotrigine Pregabalin Gabapentin	Prescription-only	Lamotrigine is only for migraine with aura
Calcium channel blockers	Verapamil Flunarizine	Prescription-only
Anti-histamines	Clonidine Candesartan	Prescription-only
Tricyclic antidepressants	Amitriptyline Nortriptyline	Prescription-only
MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)	Phenelzine	Prescription-only

Acute treatments

Acute migraine medications are used at the onset of a migraine attack to reduce the symptoms associated with migraine. This includes over-the-counter treatments, prescription medications, and neuromodulation devices. Read more about acute treatments >

Photo of paracetamol, which is one of the migraine treatment options.

Preventive treatments & strategies

Preventive treatments are an important part of migraine management, particularly for people with chronic migraine. This article explains the general principles of preventive treatment, the options available, and goes into detail about some of the newer medications to prevent migraine. Read more about preventive treatments >

Complementary treatments

People sometimes seek out natural alternatives for migraine and headache treatment. This article covers some common questions about the natural options available, their safety, and how effective they are. Read more about complementary treatments >

Personal management

Managing & treating your migraine isn’t just about medication. This article explains 10 principles of personal management, which you can use to help feel in control of your migraine. Read more about personal management strategies >

Migraine diaries & headache diaries

Migraine & headache diaries are calendars that help you track the characteristics of your migraine or headache attacks. This can help with diagnosis, trigger management, measuring the efficacy of medications, and generally helping you to better understand your disorder. Access our migraine & headache diary resources >

Neuromodulation devices (Cefaly)

Neuromodulation devices use electrical currents or magnets to adjust or change activity that occurs in the brain. By targeting specific nerves that are involved in headache, devices like Cefaly can treat or prevent migraine attacks. Read more about neuromodulation >

Botox injections

Botulinum toxin or Botox is not just used for cosmetic procedures. It can also be an effective preventive treatment for migraine. A neurologist will inject Botox in specific sites under the skin around your face and neck help to decrease the release of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) involved in migraine pain. Read more about Botox for migraine >

Getting the most from your doctor visit

It is important to see a doctor about any migraine or headache disorder that is disrupting your daily life. In order to get the most out of this doctors visit, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting the treatment you need. Read our tips on making the most of your doctor’s visit >

Doctor directory

This directory has a list of neurologists and pain specialists who have an interest in treating migraine & headache. View the directory here >

Keep in mind that migraine is a highly variable disease, and everyone responds to treatment differently. Before your next doctor’s appointment, start tracking your most common symptoms and triggers. This will help you have an informed conversation with your doctor, and you can develop a treatment plan that holistically addresses your migraine.

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