List of Treatments for Migraines

Advil (Ibuprofen)

Overview
Advil is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Advil may be referred to by its drug name, Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is also sold under the brand name Motrin.

Advil is a… read more

Aimovig (Erenumab-aooe)

Overview
Aimovig is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent migraine in adults. Aimovig is also referred to by its drug name, Erenumab-aooe.

Aimovig is a biologic drug – a genetically engineered… read more

Ajovy (Fremanezumab-vfrm)

Overview
Ajovy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent migraine in adults. Ajovy is also referred to by its drug name, Fremanezumab-vfrm.

Ajovy is a biologic drug – a genetically engineered… read more

Aleve (Naproxen sodium)

Overview
Aleve is an over-the-counter medication used to treat mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. Aleve is also referred to by its drug name, Naproxen. Naproxen is also sold under the brand name Naprosyn. Naproxen is… read more

Amerge (Naratriptan)

Overview
Amerge is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in adults. Amerge is also known by its drug name, Naratriptan.

Amerge… read more

Axert (Almotriptan)

The Axert brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Axert is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute migraine headaches with…

Bayer (Aspirin)

Overview
Bayer is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Bayer is also referred to by its drug name, Aspirin.

Bayer is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is… read more

Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA)

Overview
Botox is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent chronic migraine in adults. Botox may be prescribed in cases where headaches that last at least four hours a day occur… read more

Cafergot (Ergotamine/Caffeine)

Overview
Cafergot is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and prevent migraines. Cafergot is a combination drug composed of Ergotamine and Caffeine.

Ergotamine is an ergot… read more

Calan (Verapamil)

The Calan brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Calan is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hypertension, angina, and…

Clinical trials

Overview
Depending on several factors, you may be eligible to participate in clinical trials studying new treatment or prevention protocols for migraines. Eligibility may be based on specifics of your condition, such as… read more

Codeine

Overview
Codeine is available over-the-counter or by prescription, depending on the state in which you live and the strength of the formulation. Codeine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat… read more

Cognitive behaviorial therapy

Overview
Stress and anxiety are common migraine triggers. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy focused on helping people identify and cope with these and other negative emotions.

What does it… read more

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Overview
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments are popular with many people who get migraines. CAM treatments for migraines may include acupuncture, acupressure, herbal or nutritional supplements,… read more

Compro (Prochlorperazine)

Overview
Compro is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe nausea and vomiting in adults. Compro is also known by its drug name, Prochlorperazine.

Compro is an… read more

Covera-HS (Verapamil)

The Covera-HS brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Covera-HS is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hypertension and…

Depacon (Valproate sodium)

The Depacon brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Depacon is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat several types of seizures. Depacon may also be…

Dexamethasone

Overview
Dexamethasone is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat inflammation. Dexamethasone is sometimes prescribed to treat migraines. Since the FDA has not approved… read more

Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Overview
Effexor is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Effexor is also… read more

Elavil (Amitriptyline)

The Elavil brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Elavil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Elavil is also…

Emgality (Galcanezumab-gnlm)

Overview
Emgality is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent migraine in adults. Emgality is also referred to by its drug name, Galcanezumab-gnlm.

Emgality is a biologic drug – a genetically… read more

Excedrin Migraine (Aspirin/Acetaminophen/Caffeine)

Overview
Excedrin Migraine is an over-the-counter medication used to treat migraine headaches. Excedrin Migraine is a combination drug composed of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.

Acetaminophen is an analgesic… read more

Excedrin Tension Headache (Acetaminophen/Caffeine)

Overview
Excedrin Tension Headache is an over-the-counter medication used to treat tension headaches. Excedrin Tension Headache is a combination drug composed of acetaminophen and caffeine.

Acetaminophen is an… read more

Exercise

Overview
Exercise can help everyone stay healthy and feel their best. Exercise can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve sleep, promote a healthy weight, and help prevent the development of heart… read more

Frova (Frovatriptan)

Overview
Frova is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in adults. Frova is also known by its drug name, Frovatriptan.

Frova is… read more

Ibuprofen

Overview
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Ibuprofen is sold under the brand names Advil and Motrin.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).… read more

Imitrex (Sumatriptan)

Overview
Imitrex is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute cluster headaches and migraine headaches with or without aura in adults. Imitrex is also known by its drug name,… read more

Inderal (Propranolol)

The Inderal brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview

Inderal is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent migraines. Inderal is…

InnoPran XL (Propranolol)

Overview
InnoPran XL is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hypertension. InnoPran XL may be prescribed off-label to prevent migraines. InnoPran XL is also known by its drug… read more

Ketamine

Overview
Ketamine is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used an an anesthetic. Ketamine is sometimes used to treat or prevent chronic migraines. Since the FDA has not approved… read more

Lifestyle changes

Overview
Tracking diet, sleep, activity, and headaches in a journal can allow you to identify your migraine triggers. Making changes to your lifestyle may help you avoid these migraine triggers and reduce the frequency… read more

Lopressor (Metoprolol)

Overview
Lopressor is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hypertension, angina, and heart attack. Lopressor may be prescribed off-label to prevent migraines. Lopressor is also… read more

Maxalt (Rizatriptan)

Overview
Maxalt is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in people age 6 and older. Maxalt is also known by its drug name,… read more

Methergine (Methylergonovine)

Overview
Methergine is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to control uterine hemorrhage during and after childbirth. Methergine may be prescribed off-label to treat or prevent… read more

Migergot (Caffeine/Ergotamine)

Overview
Migergot is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and prevent migraines. Migergot is a combination drug composed of Ergotamine and Caffeine.

Ergotamine is an ergot… read more

Migranal (Dihydroergotamine)

Overview
Migranal is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute migraines. Migranal is also referred to by its drug name, Dihydroergotamine.

Migranal is an ergot alkaloid.… read more

Motrin (Ibuprofen)

Overview
Motrin is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Motrin is also referred to by its drug name, Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is also sold under the brand name Advil.

Motrin is a… read more