Triptans target a serotonin receptor that is deregulated during a migraine. There are seven medications available and they are all a little different. Examples include sumatriptan (Imitrex) and rizatriptan (Maxalt).
Most anti-nausea medications block the neurotransmitter dopamine, as dopamine can become deregulated during a migraine attack. Examples include ondansetron (Zofran) and metoclopramide (Reglan).
If you experience 4-5 migraines a month, you may be recommended a medication to prevent your migraines. There are three classes of preventative migraine medications that a medical provider from healthvio can prescribe they are:
- Antihypertensives: Have the ability to regulate blood vessels around the brain, decreasing the changes in blood vessel dilation that occurs during migraine. Examples include propranolol, atenolol, nadolol, lisinopril, verapamil and candesartan.
- Antidepressants: Help by regulating the brain’s neurotransmitters, many of which become dysregulated before and during a migraine. Examples include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, venlafaxine and duloxetine.
- Antiepileptics: Help by regulating the electrical activity of the brain, which can also become affected by migraine. Examples include topiramate, depakote, gabapentin and zonisamide.