Migraines and other types of headaches (like sinus and tension headaches) are painful and can greatly impact your quality of life. They usually also involve other symptoms that can be as distressing as the head pain.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

A migraine headache can last from 4 hours to 3 days. Common symptoms include:

• moderate to severe pain

• throbbing

• nausea and vomiting
  

• sensitivity to light and noise
  

• pain worsens with movement or activity
  

• pain limits normal activities

RELIEVING A MIGRAINE:

During a migraine it is best to rest in a quiet darkened room and to avoid movement or activity. Medicines can help relieve migraine and are most effective if taken at the onset of the pain. Ask your pharmacist for advice about simple non-prescription medicines to relieve migraine.

THEY INCLUDE:

• Paracetamol (e.g. Panadol, Chemist’s Own Paracetamol, Panamax)

• Aspirin (e.g. Aspro Clear, Disprin, Solprin)
  

• Ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen, Chemist’s Own Ibuprofen, Advil)
  

Soluble tablets, dissolve in water, are absorbed quickly and may give faster relief.

Anti-nausea medicines can stop nausea and vomiting and also improve the absorption of other migraine medicines.

THEY INCLUDE:

• Metoclopramide (e.g. Anagraine - a combination product with an anti-nausea agent as well as paracetamol)

• Prochlorperazine (e.g. Nausetil – a NEW product on the market indicated for nausea associated with migraines)

PREVENTING MIGRAINE:

If you have a frequent migraine, your doctor may prescribe a daily preventative medicine to reduce the frequency and severity of a migraine. Some complementary therapies, physical therapies and lifestyle changes may help prevent a migraine. Speak to your pharmacist today to find out more about lifestyle strategies to help manage migraines.