Other medications commonly used to treat migraine include the blood pressure medications known as beta blockers.
Inderal is the best-known example of these and is relatively free of side-effectsexcept for the occasional fall in blood pressure and slowing of the pulse. Occasionally some complain of vivid nightmares while they take Inderal.
Unfortunately, Inderal and other Beta Blockers cannot be used by those with a history of asthma or wheezy bronchitis because of their tendency to cause constriction of the breathing passages.
Other medicatiorfs usually used for the treatment of angina, pulse irregularities and high blood pressure and known as calcium channel blockersbecause of their method of actionare also used for migraine patients who have not responded to other medications.
These include Isoptin and Adalat and are relatively free of side-effects. The most common of these include constipation and mild headache which is far more easily tolerated than the migraine being treated.
The anti-inflammatory drugs also have their supporters in migraine treatments. Recent studies have shown that single doses of Naprosyn, Brufen, Clinoril and Voltaren are as effective as any drugs in relieving migraine in its early stages. These drugs work by suppressing the effects of the powerful pain producing hormone, prostaglandin.
The antidepressants, including the tricyclic antidepressants Tryptanol and Sinequan and the MAOI’s Parnate and Nardil, all have a place in the treatment of migraine. They work both by modifying the pain sensation and by having a direct influence on the chemical messengers, noradrenaline and serotonin which are said to be intimately involved in the causation of both migraine and depression.
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