Migraines: The Uninvited Guest That Won’t Leave
Migraines aren’t your everyday “I need a coffee” headaches. They’re the boss level of head pain. Pounding, throbbing, and capable of turning a sunny day into a cave-dwelling nightmare.
In the UK, more than 8.5 million people experience migraines, and if you’re one of them, you know they’re not just inconvenient, they can totally derail your day.
Migraine 101
Common symptoms include:
- One-sided, severe throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to light, sound (and sometimes even smells)
- Nausea or vomiting
Migraines are far more common in women (1 in 5) than in men (1 in 15), and most people have their first migraine before the age of 40.
So Why Do They Happen?
Science hasn’t nailed the full mystery, but migraines are thought to be linked to temporary changes in brain blood vessels.
Common triggers include:
- Stress or anxiety
- Skipping sleep or changing your routine
- Bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells
- Certain foods and drinks (yes, alcohol)
- Some medications
And for some, migraines come with a weird “prequel” called an aura. Think flashing lights, zigzag lines, or even blind spots before the headache starts.
Types of Migraine
- With aura – visual or sensory warnings before the pain
- Without aura – the pain just… arrives
- Aura without headache – strange, but yes, it’s a thing
Duration? Anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. (Yes, that’s three days. Ouch.)
How to Fight Back
Treatment usually focuses on:
- Symptom relief – painkillers like paracetamol or aspirin
- Tackling the cause – medicines that target brain blood vessels.
Migraine Medicines We Offer
The following medications are available following a consultation with our pharmacists, where we can carry out an assessment and, if suitable, offer a range of treatments — including:
- Sumatriptan – 50mg, 100mg
- Eletriptan (Relpax®) – 40mg
- Frovatriptan – 2.5mg
- Naratriptan – 2.5mg
- Rizatriptan – 5mg, 10mg
- Zolmitriptan – 2.5mg, 5mg
- Rimegepant (Vydura®) – 75mg oral lyophilisate
Meet Rimegepant (Vydura®) – The New Kid on the Block
This fast-acting migraine medication is a game changer:
- Two-in-one – treats attacks and can help prevent them
- Water-free – dissolves on your tongue (perfect when nausea hits)
- Non-triptan – great if triptans aren’t for you
- Portable & discreet – fits easily in a pocket or bag
Designed for adults with migraines (with or without aura), Rimegepant works quickly and doesn’t require you to gulp down a tablet. Always check with one of our pharmacists before starting new treatment and if your curious to find out more you ca pop in and we will be happy to help.
The takeaway: Migraines might be unwelcome, but with the right treatment plan — and options ranging from sumatriptan to Rimegepant — you’ve got more ways than ever to kick them out of your life (or at least make them a much rarer visitor).
