Effective migraine relief with prescription treatments

A migraine is a neurological condition causing severe, throbbing headaches, as well as other symptoms like nausea and visual disturbances. According to the World Health Organization, headache disorders like migraine affect roughly 40% of the population.

However, while there is no cure for migraines, you can manage symptoms and reduce pain by making some lifestyle changes and, in some cases, taking prescription treatments known as triptans. At 121doc, we prescribe migraine treatments to individuals aged 18-65 who complete a short online consultation.

The exact cause of migraines isn’t entirely understood, but we do know the factors that make them more likely. Migraines are believed to result from a mix of genetic, hormonal, neurological, and environmental factors.

1. Genetic causes

Migraines often run in families, meaning if you have a close relative who experiences migraines, you’re more likely to suffer from them yourself. This is because certain genes may affect how the brain processes pain or responds to triggers.

2. Hormonal causes

Hormonal changes, particularly involving oestrogen, can greatly affect migraines. This likely explains why women are 3-4 times more likely to experience migraines than men, and also why they commonly worsen around pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause.

3. Environmental causes

External factors can trigger migraines, too. Common ones include stress, lack of sleep, bright lights, strong smells, and certain foods/drinks. While these factors don't necessarily cause migraines on their own, they can trigger or worsen attacks.

Migraines can exhibit a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. The most common symptom for the vast majority of migraine sufferers is an intense and debilitating headache, usually felt on one side of the head. However, other symptoms may occur alongside this, usually felt in stages.

1. Prodrome stage

This stage can begin hours or even days before a migraine attack. Symptoms are usually subtle and may include mood swings, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, food cravings, neck stiffness, and increased sensitivity to light or sound.

2. Aura stage

Not everyone who has migraines experiences aura. When it does occur, it usually happens shortly before or during the headache. Aura symptoms include visual disturbances, numbness, and tingling in the face or limbs. Migraine treatments are offered to sufferers with or without aura.

3. Attack stage

The attack stage is the main phase of a migraine, and it is usually the most painful. It can last from several hours to even a few days, with symptoms commonly including a severe, throbbing headache (often on one side of the head), nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. While other stages may not always be present, the attack stage is the most common.

4. Postdrome stage

The postdrome stage occurs in some people after the main attack has ended. Symptoms commonly include exhaustion, weakness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and lingering head pain. Because of these symptoms and the fact that it happens after an attack, it is sometimes referred to as the “migraine hangover”.

Migraines are usually diagnosed by a GP or specialist after talking through symptoms and medical history. This includes discussing what the pain feels like, how long attacks last, how often they happen, and whether anything seems to trigger them. Keeping a migraine diary can allow you to track your symptoms and triggers, making it easier for a doctor to get the full picture and offer an accurate diagnosis.

How long do migraines last?

Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, with some symptoms in the prodrome stage, such as tiredness or light sensitivity, starting up to 2 days before head pain even begins. This is why migraine treatment is so important, as it can prevent an attack from developing fully.

There are some lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent attacks from coming on:

• Sleep well: maintain a regular sleep schedule and use your bed exclusively for sleeping. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
• Keep hydrated: drink plenty of water throughout the day, as dehydration can trigger migraines.
• Exercise: maintain a regular exercise routine to keep your brain and body fit. However, if exercise is a trigger for you, then avoid it or keep it light.
• Manage stress: stress is a common migraine trigger. Employ some stress-reducing techniques and try to reduce stress in your life to prevent migraines from coming on as frequently.
• Reduce screen time: limit the time spent on phones, computers, and TVs, especially in low-light conditions, and take regular breaks to reduce eye strain.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol: both alcohol and caffeine can trigger migraines in some people, especially in large amounts. Moderation or avoidance may help reduce the frequency of attacks.

Can migraine go away on its own?

Yes, migraines do eventually go away on their own, but it can take some time. Typically, migraines last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to 3 days. If you want to get rid of your migraine fast, your best option may be migraine medications known as triptans.

At 121doc, we offer migraine treatments known as triptans, including Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, Almotriptan and Naratriptan. These medications stop migraine attacks directly by narrowing blood vessels in the brain, so you can stop them before they have a chance to disrupt your life too much.

You can order prescription migraine treatments online from 121doc by completing a short online questionnaire. This allows a qualified doctor to assess whether treatment for migraine headaches is suitable for you, without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

Long-term use of migraine treatments

Most migraine treatments are safe when used correctly, but overuse can lead to your headaches getting worse. This is known as “medication overuse headache”. To avoid this, don’t use triptans more than twice per week unless completely necessary, and never take more than your prescribed dose.

You should consider seeking medical help if your migraines become frequent (for example, more than once a week) or start to interfere with your daily activities, work, or quality of life. It’s also important to speak to a doctor if you find yourself relying heavily on painkillers, as this can sometimes make headaches worse over time and is not a healthy long-term treatment.

Additionally, you should seek medical help if you experience aura symptoms for the first time, notice a change in your usual migraine pattern, or develop sudden or unusually severe symptoms.

If you’re looking for a convenient option, 121doc offers an online service that allows you to complete a secure medical questionnaire and receive expert guidance and treatment options without the need for a face-to-face appointment.