Managing Your Migraines

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head and are a common health condition, affecting 1 in 5 women and 1 in 15 men. Migraines can be very unpleasant and disrupt in our day-to-day lives, with many individuals finding it difficult to manage symptoms. The duration of a migraine attack is different for each individual; however, they can last between 4-72 hours.

Symptoms

The main symptom of migraine is usually an intense headache on one side of the head. The pain is usually a moderate or severe throbbing sensation that gets worse when you move and prevents you from carrying out normal activities.

Other common migraine symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound (which is why many with a migraine want to rest in a quiet, dark room)
• Blurred vision
• Light-headedness

Treating a Migraine

There’s currently no cure for migraines, although a number of treatments are available to help ease the symptoms. It may take time to work out the best treatment for you. You may need to try different types or combinations of medicines before you find the most effective treatment.

Painkillers

Painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin are a popular ‘go-to’ for those who are experiencing the symptoms of a migraine. They are available over-the-counter in all pharmacy’s and can often help to reduce the symptoms of a migraine.

Combination medicines

You can buy a number of combination medicines for migraine without a prescription at your local pharmacy. These medicines contain both painkillers and anti-sickness medicines. If you’re not sure which one is best for you, ask your pharmacist.

It can also be very effective to combine a Triptan with another painkiller, such as ibuprofen.

Many people find combination medicines convenient. However, the dose of painkillers or anti-sickness medicine may not be high enough to relieve your symptoms. If this is the case, it may be better to take painkillers and anti-sickness medicines separately. This allows you to easily control the doses of each.

Still struggling to manage your migraine symptoms with medications bought over-the-counter?

Book an appointment with one of our Online Doctors Today. They will assess your symptoms and prescribe you with any necessary medication.

Anti-Sickness Medication

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms experienced during a migraine attack. If you are suffering with sickness during your migraine, then anti-sickness medicines can be prescribed by one of our Online Doctors. Anti-Sickness medication usually comes in a tablet form, but if you are experiencing swallowing difficulties then suppositories are also available. 

Triptans

Triptans are a class of medicine used to ease the symptoms of a migraine attack. A Doctor at The GP Service may prescribe you with a Triptan. Triptans essentially work by reversing the changes that occur during a migraine. They cause the blood vessels around the brain to contract (narrow). This reverses the dilating (widening) of blood vessels that’s believed to be part of the migraine process.

Migraine Treatment for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, migraine treatment should be limited as much as possible. If you are unable to manage your symptoms without medication, book an appointment with one of our Online Doctors. They may be able to prescribe you with a lower dosage painkiller or Triptan. Always ensure that you consult your midwife or doctor before taking any medication.