Effective Migraine Prevention

One hour ago, you had no idea you were about to have a migraine headache. The pain did not gradually creep up on you, as it might in an average headache. No. You were going about your daily activity when suddenly, lights flashed in front of your eyes. With the lights came zigzag lines. You felt dizzy, and nauseous. You knew what would happen next - and it did. Within a half hour, you plunged into the excruciating pain of a migraine headache.

“Don’t you wish it was a painless migraine?” asks a friend.

“What are painless migraine?” you ask. Then you look bleakly at your friend and say, “Never mind. I just wish I could find effective migraine prevention.”

Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, and More

These are two prescription medications that are said to provide effective migraine prevention.

1. amitriptyline is one of the tricyclics - an antidepressant that says nothing on its label about migraine prevention. However, this powerful medicine has been prescribed off-label for many years as effective migraine prevention.

2. nortriptyline is another one of the tricyclics used as an antidepressant. If the person looking for effective migraine prevention has depression also, this may be the medication prescribed.

If you have more than one migraine a week, you may choose to ask your doctor about taking an effective migraine prevention medication every day. The first one prescribed for you will probably be a beta-blocker such as propranolol. Other effective migraine prevention medications include calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and some anticonvulsants.

Prescription medications can have side effects, of course, which you will want to discuss with your physician. Regulation of dosage and interaction with other medicines can be keys to success.

There are options if you choose not to rely on a protocol that calls for medicines.

No to Aspartame

It is believed that aspartame can trigger migraines or make them worse. You may find that the most effective migraine prevention for you is to say no to aspartame. As a sugar substitute, aspartame is marketed under the name “NutraSweet” and appears in packets in restaurants. Aspartame may be hidden where you least expect it, however. Yogurts, beverages, jams, and other food products may be sweetened with aspartame. If you are serious about effective migraine prevention, read the labels and avoid this product.

Yes to Magnesium

K. Michael Welch, M.D., neurologist at Henry Ford Health Sciences Center in Detroit, has done research that indicates most migraine sufferers may have insufficient magnesium in their brains. Magnesium is a muscle relaxer, and a good option for effective migraine prevention. Magnesium may be taken as a supplement, but is also readily available in fruits, dark green, leafy vegetables, and nuts.

Relax Frequently

Finally, most experts agree that frequent relaxation will give you effective migraine prevention. Whatever your method of achieving total relaxation, practice it regularly to unwind, relax, and manage your stress before it builds.