Migraine

Managing Migraines

Migraines impact over 8.5 million individuals across the UK. They are typically recognised by an intense, pulsating pain that often occurs at the front or on one side of the head. Other common symptoms include heightened sensitivity to light and sound, as well as feelings of nausea and, in some cases, vomiting.

Women are significantly more likely to suffer from migraines, with one in five experiencing them, compared to one in fifteen men. Most individuals will experience their first migraine before reaching the age of 40.

What triggers migraines?

While the exact cause of migraines remains unclear, they are believed to result from the temporary expansion of blood vessels in the brain.

Migraines can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, shock, fatigue, or even poor posture. Additional triggers may include intense sensory stimulation, certain food items like alcohol or cheese, and specific medications. In some cases, individuals may experience visual disturbances, such as flashing lights or zigzag patterns, as a warning sign before a migraine attack.

Different types of migraines

Migraines can be categorised into three main types:

Migraine with aura: Also referred to as a ‘classic migraine’, this type is characterised by warning signs like visual disturbances or distortions.

Migraine without aura: No visual or sensory warning occurs before the headache begins.

Migraine with aura but without headache: In this case, the person experiences symptoms such as nausea or visual disturbances without developing the typical migraine headache.

How long do migraines last?

The duration and intensity of migraine symptoms can vary greatly between individuals. Most migraine attacks last anywhere from 4 hours to 72 hours.

Treatment options for migraines

A range of treatments is available for managing migraines, from over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol and aspirin to prescription medications like 5-HT receptor agonists, commonly known as ‘triptans’. Drugs in this class, such as Sumatriptan and Zolmitriptan, work by constricting the temporarily dilated blood vessels in the brain, addressing the underlying cause of the migraine. In addition to easing the headache, triptans help alleviate other symptoms like nausea, providing more comprehensive relief than basic painkillers, which only block the sensation of pain.

Choosing the right migraine treatment

The ideal treatment for migraines depends on how severe and frequent your episodes are. Some medications may work better for you than others, and certain treatments can be used whether or not you experience aura symptoms beforehand. If you’re unsure which option suits you best, it’s always advisable to speak with your GP for personalised advice.

How do migraines differ from headaches?

A typical headache tends to cause a steady, mild to moderate pain on both sides of the head and may last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few days. In contrast, migraines are more intense, often presenting with additional symptoms such as severe throbbing pain focused on the front or one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. Migraines can last much longer than tension headaches, sometimes continuing for up to 72 hours.

Available treatments

After a brief consultation with our pharmacist, you can obtain the following treatments without a prescription:

Sumatriptan (Generic Imigran)

Zolmitriptan (Generic Zomig)

Rizatriptan (Generic Maxalt)

Sumatriptan

What is it and what can it treat?

Sumatriptan is a treatment specifically designed to address migraine attacks, whether or not they are accompanied by aura (warning signs such as visual disturbances, flashes of light, or patterns). It is commonly used to relieve the symptoms that occur during a migraine episode.

How does Sumatriptan work?

The active ingredient in Sumatriptan, known as sumatriptan succinate, is part of a class of drugs called 5-HT receptor agonists or ‘triptans’. Migraines are believed to be caused by the temporary widening of blood vessels in the brain, and Sumatriptan works by narrowing these vessels. This helps relieve the migraine-related symptoms, including pain, nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound.

How to take Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan tablets should be swallowed whole with water, and they can be taken with or without food. It’s most effective if taken as soon as the headache starts. The usual recommended dose for adults is 50mg, though some may require 100mg. This medication is not suitable for children or adolescents.

If the first dose doesn’t provide relief or the headache returns, you can take a second tablet at least 2 hours after the first one. However, if Sumatriptan doesn’t work at all, you shouldn’t take another tablet to treat the same migraine attack. It’s important to note that Sumatriptan should not be used as a preventative treatment-its purpose is to treat migraines once they start.

How long does it take for Sumatriptan to work?

Relief typically begins within 45 minutes of taking a dose of Sumatriptan.

How long does the effect of Sumatriptan last?

The effects of the medication usually last for about 2 hours after taking a dose.

Who can take Sumatriptan?

Sumatriptan is recommended for individuals who suffer from migraines that are not effectively managed by common painkillers like paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen. It is especially suitable for those who experience fewer than 10 migraine attacks per month.

Can I take painkillers with Sumatriptan?

If Sumatriptan does not relieve your migraine after the first dose, you can take a painkiller such as paracetamol, aspirin, or an NSAID like ibuprofen to help manage the pain.

What is the difference between Sumatriptan and Imigran?

Imigran is the branded version of sumatriptan succinate, while Generic Sumatriptan contains the same active ingredient. Both are medically identical, but the generic version is often more affordable.

Possible side effects of Sumatriptan

Like all medications, Sumatriptan may cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Some of the common side effects include:

Dizziness

Flushing

Nausea

Drowsiness

Vomiting

However, many of these symptoms may also be associated with the migraine itself.

Product information

For more details, please consult the patient information leaflet for Sumatriptan 50mg/100mg.

Zolmitriptan

What is Zolmitriptan and how does it work?

Zolmitriptan, available as a generic version of Zomig, is a medication used to treat migraine headaches. Its active component, zolmitriptan, belongs to a class of drugs called ‘triptans’, also known as serotonin 5-HT receptor agonists. Zolmitriptan works by narrowing the temporarily swollen blood vessels around the brain, which are believed to cause migraines. This action helps alleviate the headache associated with migraines.

When and how to take Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is available in both standard tablets and dispersible tablet forms. To achieve the best results, you should take Zolmitriptan as soon as a migraine begins, as it does not work to prevent future attacks. Swallow the standard tablet with water, while the dispersible tablet can be placed on the tongue, allowing it to dissolve.

The recommended dose is 2.5mg, which can be taken with or without food, as it does not interfere with the medication’s effectiveness. If your migraine returns, you can take another tablet, but only after at least 2 hours. Do not exceed two doses within a 24-hour period.

How long does Zolmitriptan take to work?

Most people experience noticeable relief from their migraine within 45 minutes to an hour of taking Zolmitriptan.

How long does the effect of Zolmitriptan last?

The effects of the medication generally last around 2 hours.

Different forms of Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is available in multiple forms, including standard tablets, dispersible tablets (Zolmitriptan Rapimelt), which dissolve on the tongue, and the branded version known as Zomig.

What is the difference between Zomig and Zolmitriptan?

Both Zomig and generic Zolmitriptan contain the same active ingredient, zolmitriptan, and are equally effective in treating migraines. The primary difference is that the generic version tends to be more affordable than the branded Zomig.

Side effects of Zolmitriptan

Some common side effects of Zolmitriptan, affecting about 1 in 10 people, include:

Nausea

Dry mouth

Vomiting

Dizziness

Headache

Product information

For more details, please refer to the patient information leaflet for Zolmitriptan.

Rizatriptan

What is Rizatriptan and how does it work?

Rizatriptan is a widely used medication for treating migraines. The active ingredient, rizatriptan benzoate, belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans or selective serotonin 5-HT receptor agonists. It specifically targets the headache phase of a migraine by narrowing the temporarily widened blood vessels around the brain, which is thought to be the underlying cause of migraines.

When and how to take Rizatriptan

The recommended dosage of Rizatriptan is 10mg, taken with water as soon as a migraine starts. For the quickest effect, it is best taken on an empty stomach. If your migraine returns, you may take another tablet, but only after at least 2 hours have passed since the first dose. If the first tablet does not provide relief, do not take a second for the same migraine attack. Additionally, do not exceed two tablets in a 24-hour period. Rizatriptan is designed to treat migraines once they occur but does not prevent future episodes.

How long does Rizatriptan take to work?

Rizatriptan generally begins working within about 30 minutes of taking the tablet.

How long does the effect last?

The effects of Rizatriptan typically last for 2 to 3 hours.

Difference between Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan

Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan belong to the same class of medication, with both working to narrow the blood vessels surrounding the brain. The main difference lies in their active ingredients: Rizatriptan contains rizatriptan benzoate, while Sumatriptan contains sumatriptan succinate. Rizatriptan has been shown to work faster than Sumatriptan, although Sumatriptan is less affected by food intake.

Other forms of Rizatriptan

In addition to standard tablets, Rizatriptan is also available as orodispersible tablets and wafers, which dissolve on the tongue. These options are ideal for individuals who may feel nauseous or find it difficult to swallow regular tablets.

Possible side effects of Rizatriptan

Like all medications, Rizatriptan may cause side effects. Common ones that may affect up to 1 in 10 people include:

Dizziness

Sleepiness

Headache

Dry mouth

Stomach pain

Throat discomfort

Palpitations

Decreased sensitivity in the skin

Product information

For more details, consult the patient information leaflet for Rizatriptan 10mg.

Availability

Visit your preferred pharmacy’s page or simply drop in at your convenience to enquire about this service.