Migraine

Migraine is an annoying condition that can hinder your daily activities. People who suffer from a migraine attack are usually unable to be active. People who have an attack often lie in bed or on the couch. Hoping the pain will subside. But what is migraine, how does it occur and can it be treated? We will provide a detailed answer to this in this blog.

What is migraine?

Migraine is a severe headache that can last from several hours to several days. The headache often goes away on its own with sufficient rest and healthy eating and drinking. In some cases, a doctor can prescribe medication that helps against migraine attacks. When someone suffers from migraine every week or several times a month, we call it chronic migraine.

How do I recognize migraine?

Migraine is hard to miss because it is an attack of severe headache. Sometimes to such an extent that you can no longer do anything. Lying in bed or on the couch is often the best thing to do if you suffer from a migraine attack. Migraine may also be accompanied by dizziness and nausea.

Can I do something about migraines myself?

It is best to rest and eat and drink healthily during a migraine attack. A healthy lifestyle, normal body weight and sufficient exercise can reduce or prevent migraine attacks. Reducing stress and getting enough sleep also help prevent migraine attacks.

Can the pharmacist do anything for me?

You can buy pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen at the pharmacist. Because migraine has nothing to do with inflammation, the advice is to use paracetamol. Paracetamol helps against the headache, but is purely a symptom relief. It does not cure or prevent migraines. For medications that help against migraines, your doctor should first be consulted. Who can and may prescribe specific medications. You can then pick this up at the pharmacy.

Which medications are used for migraines?

The doctor can prescribe medications such as propranolol, metoprolol, candesartan and amitriptyline. Propranolol and metoprolol are beta blockers that can lower blood pressure. Possible side effects include dizziness and nausea. Candesartan has the same effect as beta blockers, but can affect the kidneys. The doctor will first want to check whether this medication can be used with a blood test. Amitriptyline is prescribed as a last option if the other medications do not work. Because amitriptyline can lower blood pressure and heart rate, an ECG is first made to see whether this medication can be used.

Can I buy medicines online?

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are available at drugstores and supermarkets. Also online. Prescription medication can only be obtained from your GP and must be collected from the pharmacy. These medications cannot be purchased online.

When should I call the doctor?

If you have a headache and think you are having a migraine attack, you can call your doctor. A headache alone is not a very strong indicator that you have a migraine, but it is if you have a headache, feel nauseous and vomit. Flashes and waves in the visual field can also indicate migraine. If you have these complaints, you can contact your GP. Based on the complaints, the doctor can draw up a treatment plan and, if necessary, prescribe medication.

Suitable migraine medications:

Almogran
Amitriptyline
Maxalt
Migard
Naramig
Naratriptan
Propranolol migraine
Relpax
Zolmitriptan
Zomig
Imigran
Sumatriptan
Motilium
Domperidone