There’s currently no cure for migraine, but a range of treatments is available to help reduce symptoms. General painkillers such as paracetamol, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, may help relieve pain during a migraine attack.

At The Family Chemist, we offer prescription-only medicines called Triptans, which help reverse the changes in the brain that may contribute to migraine attacks, and Gepants, which work by blocking the receptors in the brain involved in triggering migraine symptoms.

Pain relief can be used alongside prescription medication for migraine to maximise effectiveness. When completing a consultation for prescription treatment, you should always declare your full medical history and any other medicines you are taking to ensure safe and effective care.

Triptans are also known as 5-HT1 agonists which act by narrowing the brains blood vessels thereby providing relief from swelling. It is best taken as soon the headache develops not before. Studies have shown that they do not work as well if taken too early. Triptans taken by mouth are designed to work rapidly – within an hour or so.

Gepants are a relatively new form of treatment which work by blocking the receptors in the brain that CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) binds to. CGRP is a protein that plays a key role in causing the pain and other symptoms of a migraine. By blocking CGRP’s action, these medications can help reduce the symptoms of a migraine as soon as you feel them coming on. They can also be used as a preventive treatment to help reduce the likelihood of a migraine occurring in the first place.

If you have used a Triptan, and it has worked to relieve your headache but then the headache returned later, you can repeat the dose after 2-4 hours. Each Triptan has a maximum daily dose that you should not exceed. If a low dose does not work so well you may purchase a larger dose.

For those who have used a Gepant for your migraine symptoms, then you should not take another within 24 hrs. 

Medications work in some people and not in others. In some cases, some people have tried three or more different migraine treatments before finding one that works best for them.

The British Association for the Study of Headache (BASH) recommends that you try one type of triptan for three separate migraine attacks before deciding to change to a different one. Even in people where triptans work well, a triptan does not work for every migraine attack. For those which triptans are not an effective treatment, BASH guidelines have suggested that a gepant may still be an effective alternative. The aim is to find the one that works most of the time for you.

Make sure you read the patient information leaflet carefully as there may be hints and tips on how to use your medication correctly or feel free to call us for some advice. However, there can be occasions where the treatments don’t work or suit you. In this case we recommend you contact your GP at your earliest opportunity for further advice.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/

If you need any help or advice, feel free to contact us at enquiries@thefamilychemist.co.uk or your GP.

A migraine is a neurological condition characterised by intense, debilitating headaches often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Unlike regular headaches, migraines can cause throbbing pain on one side of the head and are often accompanied by aura – visual or sensory disturbances preceding the headache.

Migraine triggers vary from person to person but can include stress, hormonal changes (such as during menstruation), certain foods and drinks (like aged cheeses, alcohol, and caffeine), changes in sleep patterns, environmental factors (such as bright lights or strong smells), and some medications.

Yes, lifestyle changes can significantly impact the frequency and severity of migraines. Regular exercise, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, staying hydrated, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet can help. Keeping a migraine diary to track triggers can also be beneficial in managing the condition.