Contents
Migraine occurs in 14% of the population in Europe and the United States. 17% of women suffer from this disease, while men – 8%. Inexpensive and effective migraine pills are sold in every pharmacy, it is only important to know which ones are suitable and will be effective for many years.
List of 10 inexpensive and effective pills for migraine according to KP
We have selected the 10 best migraine pills that effectively fight an attack. All drugs have passed clinical trials and are constantly used by general practitioners and neurologists for treatment.
10. Novigan
The active substance is ibuprofen 400 mg. It has an analgesic, antispasmodic effect, reduces the severity of inflammatory processes. The maximum concentration in the blood is observed 1-2 hours after ingestion. Novigan is prescribed for headache (migraine), myalgia, arthralgia, renal and biliary colic. It is recommended to take immediately after meals or drink milk to avoid negative effects on the gastric mucosa.
Important!
It is not used for allergies to drug components, for ulcers and / or inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, blood clotting disorders, heart, kidney or liver failure.
9. Citramon P
Active ingredients: acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, caffeine. With a migraine attack, it is recommended to take two tablets at the same time. In the absence of a positive effect, repeat after 4-6 hours. Also used for headache and toothache, neuralgia, myalgia, arthralgia. Citramon P has an anti-inflammatory effect, therefore it is used for colds.
Important!
Contraindicated in case of allergy to the components of the drug, in violation of blood clotting, severe renal and / or hepatic insufficiency, pregnancy and lactation.
8. Migrepam
The active substance is zolmitripan. It is an anti-migraine drug and a substance that affects the metabolism of serotonin. A positive effect during a migraine attack is noted within an hour and increases over the next 2-4 hours. With migraine with aura, migrepam only affects the pain syndrome, so early administration of the drug is not needed.
Important!
Contraindicated in case of allergy to the components of the drug, serious diseases of the cardiovascular system (uncontrolled hypertension, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular accident), renal failure.
7. Relpax
The active substance is eletriptan. It is an anti-migraine drug. The maximum plasma concentration is observed 1,5 hours after ingestion. The optimal dosage is considered to be 20 mg 3 times a day. With the constant use of Relpax in the blood, accumulation of the drug is observed. The appointment of a higher dosage is carried out under the supervision of a physician.
Important!
In older people (over 65 years of age), a more pronounced effect of the drug is observed. Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. In case of uncontrolled arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular accident, another drug should be prescribed.
6. Sumatriptan
It is an anti-migraine drug and is not used for prophylactic purposes. It is used at the very first signs of a migraine. Each attack is stopped by one dose of the drug. In the absence of a positive effect, it is recommended to additionally take acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol or NSAIDs.
Important!
The maximum daily dosage is 300 mg. Not applicable to persons over 65 years of age. In renal failure, the dosage of the drug should be lower.
5. Paracetamol
For migraine, paracetamol is used at a dosage of 1000 mg. It is also used for mild to moderate pain in headache, toothache, myalgia and fever with colds.
Important!
May cause kidney and liver failure. The maximum daily dosage is 4000 mg. Duration of admission is not more than five days. Contraindicated in case of allergy to paracetamol.
4. Diclofenac
The drug has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. There are extended release tablets and enteric coated tablets. Eating does not significantly affect the absorption of the drug. For mild to moderate migraine, the optimal dosage of diclofenac is 50-100 mg. Also, the drug is used for pain syndromes in various arthritis.
Important!
You can not use with a history of allergic reaction to this drug, for the relief of pain in myocardial infarction, with renal failure. It is not prescribed during pregnancy and lactation.
3. Nalgezin forte
The active substance is naproxen. It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory action. It is used as a symptomatic drug and does not affect the course of the underlying disease. It is used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which are accompanied by pain (arthritis, arthrosis, bursitis). It is also used for other diseases or conditions that are accompanied by pain (migraine, neuralgia, toothache, injuries, bruises, post-surgery conditions).
For the relief of a migraine attack, naproxen is used at a dosage of 500-1000 mg.
Important!
Contraindications are the same as for acetylsalicylic acid. Additionally: each tablet contains 50 mg of sodium, which is important for patients who limit their salt intake. In addition, naproxen slows down the reaction rate.
2. Acetylsalicylic acid
Effective for migraine attacks of mild to moderate severity. At a dosage of 1000 mg, it reduces pain within two hours. In addition, it is effective for fever and has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it is used for colds. It is used for headache, toothache, back pain, myalgia, arthralgia.
Important!
It crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk. It is forbidden to use with an allergic reaction to aspirin, ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, various bleeding, while taking methotrexate. It is used with caution in gout, renal and / or hepatic insufficiency, bronchial asthma.
1. Ibuprofen
It is the drug of first choice for mild to moderate migraine. The required dosage – 400 mg practically does not cause complications from the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration of the drug is reached after 45 minutes when taken orally on an empty stomach. Ibuprofen works for 8 hours. It is used for migraine, toothache, arthralgia, neuralgia, myalgia.
Important!
If you are allergic to ibuprofen or other components of the drug, the use is contraindicated. Do not use for ulcers or inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiac, severe liver and / kidney diseases, blood clotting disorders. With caution, ibuprofen is prescribed for bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, pregnancy, and lactation.
How to choose pills for migraine
Migraine tablets differ in their mechanisms of action, contraindications, and side effects. The doctor should choose a specific drug individually.
- Simple analgesics – used to relieve migraine attacks of mild to moderate severity. They are classified according to their chemical structure. They do not have a hypnotic effect, do not cause drug dependence, do not depress breathing. The most popular drugs in this group are: acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen. It is important to consider that analgesics have contraindications and side effects.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – anesthetize, reduce body temperature during fever, have an anti-inflammatory effect. Reduce neurogenic inflammation in the meninges, which reduces pain during migraine attacks. The most effective drug is diclofenac.
- Triptans – migraine drugs. They act on receptors in the vessels of the brain. This leads to their narrowing, normalization of blood flow and reduction of pain. Triptans are the gold standard for migraine treatment.
Popular questions and answers
We asked neurologist of the highest category Marina Dubrovskaya about migraine and ways to get rid of it.
Migraine is a chronic neurovascular disease with a genetic predisposition. During an attack, there is an expansion of cerebral vessels and blood flow. The provoking factors are:
● stressful situation;
● depression;
● overwork;
● weather changes;
● hormonal factors (menstruation, ovulation, taking hormonal drugs);
● violation of the regime of the day;
● violation of the diet;
● intake of certain products (cheese, chocolate, coffee, orange, wine);
● strong odors (perfume, tobacco smoke), exhaust fumes.
The diagnosis of migraine should be made by a neurologist after questioning the patient, taking anamnesis, neurological examination, and determining diagnostic criteria.
1. Infusions from meadow clover, St. John’s wort, lemon balm, chamomile, linden, valerian. Brew in 200 ml of boiling water and take 3 times a day.
2. Medicinal teas from mint, green tea, oregano, eucalyptus. 1 cup 3 times a day.
3. Strong coffee 100-150 ml in the absence of contraindications.
4. Juice from dogwood, viburnum, blackcurrant, half a glass with honey twice a day.
What to do at the initial stage:
● if possible, lie down and try to fall asleep (the light in the room should be dimmed, there should be no annoying sounds);
● if it is impossible to fall asleep, then it is necessary to go out into the fresh air and ventilate the room;
● drink strong tea with sugar and lemon;
● massage the head and neck and/or put on a heating pad (this will normalize the blood supply to the brain).
If a seizure occurs:
● reduce the number of irritating factors (light, sounds, smells);
● take a contrast shower or a warm bath;
● rub your temples to reduce throbbing pain, you can simply use your fingers, or you can add a menthol balm;
● foot massage helps to get rid of headaches.
Sources:
- Clinical recommendations “Migraine” 2020.
- Register of medicines of Russia, 2000-2021.
- Complete medical reference book / Per. from English. E. Makhiyanova and I. Dreval.- M.: AST, Astrel, 2006