"Otherwise, take a paracetamol": international migraine day
Today is the International Migraine Day. This day is designed to draw more attention to migraine. After all, migraine is more than "a little headache." Yet symptoms are often still underestimated. Many patients are told they are "faking it" or that it is "not that bad". Comments such as "why don't you take a paracetamol" or "go get some air" make it extra difficult for patients. Migraine is a serious brain disease that has a lot of impact on your daily life.
As a pharmacy, we like to help you get the right treatment and use your medications safely. In this article you will read what migraine is, how it differs from other types of headaches, what medications are available, and what role we play as a pharmacy.
What is migraine?
Migraine is a neurological disorder. The cause lies in the brain. There are attacks that often last from 4 to 72 hours. During an attack, you have:
- severe, throbbing headache (usually on one side of your head),
- nausea or vomiting,
- oversensitivity to light and sound.
Sometimes you may also have an aura: these are temporary symptoms such as starry vision, blurred vision or tingling.
Similar to ordinary headaches and cluster headaches
Many people think migraines are "ordinary headaches," but that's not true.
- Accustomary tension headaches: often feel oppressive, on both sides of your head. It is annoying, but you can usually get on with your day.
- Cluster headache: this is rare and extremely painful. You get short but very intense attacks around one eye. Cluster headaches are often called "suicide headaches" because the pain is so intense.
- Migraine: is in between. The attacks are prolonged and severe, but alternate with periods without symptoms.
It is important for doctors and neurologists to distinguish it properly. There are protocols for this. A general practitioner first follows a step-by-step plan: conversation, diary of symptoms and physical examination. If necessary, the general practitioner refers to a neurologist.
What medications are there against migraines?
There are different types of medications. Some are freely available in pharmacies or drugstores. Others you can only get by prescription from your doctor or neurologist.
Available over-the-counter (without a prescription):
- Paracetamol: sometimes helps with a mild attack.
- Ibuprofen or naproxen (NSAIDs): often work better against the pain than paracetamol.
Prescription:
- Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan, rhizatriptan, zolmitriptan): work specifically against migraines and can stop an attack.
- Nausea medications (such as metoclopramide or domperidone): to reduce vomiting and nausea.
Medicines to prevent attacks:
If you have frequent migraines (for example, more than 2 times a month), the doctor may prescribe medicines to prevent attacks:
- Beta blockers (such as propranolol, metoprolol).
- Anti-epileptics (such as topiramate, valproic acid).
- Antidepressants (such as amitriptyline).
- Botox injections: in chronic migraine, administered by a neurologist.
New treatments:
Since recently, there have been CGRP inhibitors (e.g., erenumab). These drugs are for people with very severe migraines that do not respond well to other drugs. They are expensive and are prescribed and reimbursed only under strict conditions after an extensive course.
Treatment without medications
In addition to medications, there are many things you can do yourself to reduce attacks:
- Make sure you get enough sleep and regularity.
- Avoid stress and skipping relaxation moments.
- Monitor diet and alcohol (some products are triggers).
- Keep a headache diary to recognize patterns.
The role of the pharmacy
What does the pharmacy do for you?
- Explanation: we explain how to use your medicines safely and properly.
- Checking: we check if your medicines go well with other medicines you are taking.
- Counseling: we give tips to help you stick with your treatment.
- Advice: even if you buy medication without a prescription, we will help you think about whether it suits your situation.
Do you often have migraines, do you use medication or do you have doubts about side effects? Then we are your first point of contact.
.Migraine deserves more attention
Still patients with migraine are not always taken seriously. People around you sometimes do not understand how intense an attack is. This can lead to misunderstanding, missed workdays and even loneliness.
This is why International Migraine Day on Sept. 12 is so important. It is a day to show that migraine is a real disease and that proper treatment is possible.
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.
