MEDICATION REFERENCE
Treatments
Migraine medications fall into two broad groups: acute treatments, taken to stop an attack that has already started, and preventive treatments, taken regularly to reduce how often attacks occur.
Acute Treatment
Taken at the onset of an attack to stop the pain and associated symptoms such as nausea. Grouped by how they work:
Over-the-Counter & Standard Pain Relievers
Used for mild to moderate attacks.
- Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
Anti-Nausea Medications (Antiemetics)
Often combined with pain relievers to treat stomach upset and improve absorption of the pain medication.
- Metoclopramide
- Domperidone
Triptans (Migraine-Specific, Prescription)
Used when standard pain relievers are not effective. These target the specific nerve pathways involved in a migraine.
- Almotriptan
- Eletriptan
- Frovatriptan
- Naratriptan
- Rizatriptan
- Sumatriptan
- Zolmitriptan
Preventive Treatment
For people with frequent attacks, these medications are taken on an ongoing basis to reduce the number of headache days and make attacks milder.
First-Choice Preventives
These carry the strongest level of medical recommendation for migraine prevention.
- Beta-blockers — blood pressure medications that calm blood vessels
- Metoprolol
- Propranolol
- Anticonvulsants — nerve-calming medications
- Topiramate
- Valproate (valproic acid)
- Calcium channel blockers
- Flunarizine
- NSAIDs
- Naproxen (taken preventively)
Modern Targeted Preventives (CGRP Inhibitors)
Newer therapies designed specifically for migraine prevention.
- Galcanezumab
- Atogepant
- Rimegepant
Second-Choice Preventives
Used when first-choice options are ineffective or cause side effects.
- Amitriptyline — an antidepressant that, in low doses, blocks pain signals
This list is a general reference and does not constitute a prescription or medical advice. Dosing, suitability, contraindications, and interactions vary by individual — always consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.