Migraine
A migraine headache can ruin your day because it feels like a hammer is relentlessly pounding inside your head. It can be so excruciating, it often causes nausea and vomiting. In past times, the only recourse people experiencing a migraine had was to try to sleep it off, which was almost impossible due to the harsh effects of the migraine. Thankfully, now there are solutions to treat this affliction.
Prescribed Medications
Along with treating hypertension and chest pain, beta blockers are used to prevent migraines. There are many forms of beta blocker medications, however, Propranolol is one of the most commonly prescribed for migraines. Antidepressants, such as Thorazine, Vistril, Compazine, Phenergan and Tigan are used to treat the nausea and vomiting resulting from a migraine and can also help to lessen the pain. According to the Migraine Awareness Group: A National Understanding for Migraineurs (MAGNUM), divalproex sodium (Depakote) is the most promising preventative treatment available for migraines. Initially created to treat epilepsy, which is closely related to migraine, Depakote lessens the severity and frequency of migraine attacks. These medications should only be taken if prescribed by your physician after he has examined you and has determined that they are the best solutions for your migraine.
Lifestyle
Often, a migraine is the result of poor lifestyle. Not sleeping enough is a common contributor of migraine. To prevent this, try to get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night. Excessive alcohol consumption often leads to a hangover that induces migraines. Refrain from drinking alcohol or limit your intake to avoid this consequence. Incessant worrying or stress can also induce a migraine. Implement a daily exercise regimen to decrease your stress level and try to avoid stressful situations to lower your risk of developing a migraine. Find positive outlets or develop a hobby, such as reading to ease your stress and worry. Lastly, eat properly, as skipping or delaying meals can trigger a migraine.
OTC Medications
There are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that you can take to reduce the symptoms of your migraine. These are most helpful if your migraines are infrequent and are not too severe. Do not wait until your migraine has fully developed before taking the medication. Instead, use it at the onset of the migraine. Excedrin Migraine is one of the most popular OTC medications designed to treat migraines. Follow the directions on the bottle before consuming the pills, and then try to find a quiet and dark resting area to recover. If OTC medications fail to alleviate your migraine or if your symptoms and migraine attacks persist, it is time to see a doctor, who can suggest the right treatment for you.
Tags: your migraine, migraine attacks, nausea vomiting, your stress