Introduction
Migraine cocktails contain more than one drug that is used in the treatment of migraine attacks. There is no cure for the condition called migraine. This condition is treated with medications. In the medical setting, sometimes, this condition is managed with a migraine cocktail.
What Is Migraine?
Migraine is considered a debilitating neurological disease. It is estimated that 44.5 million individuals are affected by migraine in the United States. Migraine is a head pain that may vary from moderate to severe, and the pain may be throbbing, pulsating, and pounding.
This condition is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. This type of head pain may last for hours or days. The severity of the pain may affect day-to-day activities.
This condition can be managed with medications that can even prevent migraines. Along with the right medications, self-help remedies, and lifestyle changes can be incorporated to overcome migraines effectively.
What Is Migraine Cocktail?
A migraine is a type of headache. There are different types of migraines and headache disorders. Treatments for this condition include acute treatment (used when the symptoms of the attack begin), preventive medication (taken to avoid attacks daily), or a combination of treatments called a migraine cocktail.
Migraine cocktails, or a combination of treatments, are important for those with severe migraine attacks. An individual suffering from migraine for three or more days, and when regular medications fail to relieve migraine, may have to visit the emergency room to relieve migraine symptoms.
Some may visit the hospital when they experience a migraine with an aura for the first time. Healthcare professionals treat migraines based on symptoms or try to rule out conditions exhibiting similar symptoms. This condition can be similar to a stroke.
A migraine cocktail is a combination of medications given to treat migraine headaches at home, in infusion centers, or in an emergency room. Combinations of medications may vary from one to another. In the emergency room, a combination of medications may be given intravenously.
The combination of drugs may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, magnesium, some medications to ease nausea and vomiting, diphenhydramine, dihydroergotamine, or fluids to be given to help with hydration.
A migraine cocktail is given when medications that are given for severe migraine are not working or not working for typical medications used for relief previously or over-the-counter medications, or an attack that lasts for more than 72 hours may need a migraine cocktail.
The length of work of a migraine cocktail may differ from one person to another. Once it gives good results with the combination of medications, future attacks of migraine will be less frequent. The goal of using a migraine cocktail is to make the affected person headache-free.
Migraine cocktail is administered by a doctor, nurses, and physical assistant. Generally, a nurse's role is to administer a migraine cocktail and check for vitals, and how the person responds to this.
When the migraine attack is severe, back-home treatment may be provided. This includes a combination of medications and how they are administered. The intravenous method is always preferred.
Alternative Treatments:
Alternative treatments depend on the symptoms and how the person has responded in the past. These include anti-seizure drugs and other oral medications; nerve block or trigger point injections may be given. These helps stop head or facial pain by shutting down the pain signals and reducing the referred pain.
Behavioral therapies like mindfulness and biofeedback can help change how their bodies function. Relaxation techniques can help calm the brain and the body. Pain involves emotional components along with physical ones. Emotional components can add extra stress and disability. Hence, relaxation techniques and behavioral therapies might help control such conditions.
What Does Migraine Cocktail Contain?
Healthcare professionals may use several types of drugs. Choosing them depends on the medical history and symptoms of the person.
NSAIDs: These are used to lessen the inflammation. This helps in reducing pain and throbbing.
Acetaminophen: These are used as painkillers.
IV Fluids: Severe vomiting may induce dehydration. Dehydration acts as a trigger and causes migraine headaches.
Antiemetics: These are used for severe vomiting and to reduce the risk of side effects, they are used.
Dexamethasone: This is a type of steroid that helps reduce inflammation.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Migraine Cocktail:
OTC can be used in the case of mild to moderate migraines.
These include
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Acetaminophen.
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Aspirin 250 mg.
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Caffeine 65 mg
Acetaminophen lessens the inflammation in the body. Caffeine narrows the blood vessels and helps reduce pain. The combination of these drugs is found to be more effective in reducing pain caused by migraine. Caffeine can cause trouble for a few individuals. It may act as a migraine trigger. It can even cause anxiety, agitation, and sleep disturbances.
OTC drugs should be used according to the healthcare provider’s advice. These should be carefully used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, when having other underlying conditions, and when using some medications for other reasons.
Migraine cocktails can be prepared at home, but before using them, a doctor’s consultation is a must.
Other treatments for migraine attacks include,
Avoiding Triggers: Different factors responsible for severe migraines should be avoided.
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Sleep should be proper.
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Always check for hydration.
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Consume regular meals.
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Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or cigarette smoke.
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Foods that trigger migraines should be avoided.
Maintaining a diary can help identify and manage migraine triggers.
Medications used to prevent migraine include,
Blood Pressure Medications: Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers can prevent migraines.
Antidepressant Medications: Amitriptyline and venlafaxine are two tricyclic antidepressants that may help prevent migraine attacks.
CGRP (calcitonin-gene-related peptide) Inhibitors: These help prevent migraine attacks.
Botox Injections: These injections, when given once every three months, may help prevent migraines.
What Are the Nonpharmaceutical Treatments for Migraine?
Along with medications, some non-pharmaceuticals can be used to relieve symptoms and also to prevent migraines.
Relaxation Technique: These include biofeedback, breathing exercises, and meditation, which help reduce stress and tension.
Regular Exercise: Endorphins are produced in the body when a person exercises. These are known as natural pain relievers.
Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin B2, coenzyme Q10, and magnesium are thought to have a link with migraine.
Acupuncture: In this technique, thin needles are inserted into pressure points. This may help in reducing pain as well as preventing it from occurring.
Conclusion
A migraine cocktail is a combination of medications that can be used to relieve the pain of a severe migraine. It is also available as OTC medications, non-pharmaceuticals, etc., Before trying out such medications, it is the responsibility of an individual to consult a concerned doctor. Hence, it is important to know about migraine cocktails, their contents, and available alternative treatments. Knowing this can help treat migraines and prevent them from occurring.
