Migraine headaches seem to be caused in part by changes in the level of a body chemical called serotonin. Serotonin plays many roles in the body, and it can have an effect on the blood vessels. When serotonin levels are high, blood vessels constrict. When serotonin levels fall, the blood vessels dilate. This swelling can cause pain or other problems. Many things can affect the level of serotonin in the body, including level of blood sugar, certain foods, and changes in the estrogen level of women. There are two main types of migraines: migraines with aura and migraines without aura. The aura that accompanies some migraines may be in the form of lines or spots before the eyes, total darkness, or speech impairment, and the aura usually occurs 10 to 30 minutes before the onset of the migraine.
Migraines can occur in children and adults; however, there are no labeled uses for drugs in the prevention or treatment of migraines in children. In order to determine the appropriate therapy for migraines in children, physicians use results of trials conducted on adult migraine sufferers. Many of the drugs used to treat migraines are approved only for adults, making them off-label when prescribed to children.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: None
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Rizatriptan, Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan
To minimize the onset and the effects of migraines, most individuals can use alternative, non-drug measures. However, it may be necessary to incorporate drugs into prevention options to minimize the frequency and severity of migraines and, in some causes, to treat the symptoms or terminate the attack altogether.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: None
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Carbamazepine, Cyproheptadine, Metoprolol, Propranolol, Topiramate, Valproic Acid
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