Taking Medicine to Stop a Migraine

Taking Medicine to Stop a Migraine (00:01:19)
Video Transcript

When a migraine starts, you and your plans come to a screeching stop.

But instead of taking your medicine right away, you may first try to talk yourself out of it.

Maybe you think it won't be a migraine this time ...

or you're worried because your medicine costs a lot, so you only want to take it if you're completely miserable.

Lots of people think that way too.

But waiting to take medicine for a migraine is one of the worst things you can do.

The best way to stop a migraine is to take your medicine right away.

So, at the first sign of a migraine, take your medicine according to directions.

Always keep your medicine with you, so you're ready when a headache starts.

Then after you take your medicine, rest in a quiet, dark room.

Close your eyes, and try to relax or go to sleep.

Don't watch TV or read.

Put a cold pack or cool cloth on the painful area.

If you find you're having migraines often, talk with your doctor.

Taking migraine medicine more than 2 days a week or having more than 3 headaches a month may mean you need a different type of medicine.

With these few tips, and a chat with your doctor if you need it, you can stop migraines before they stop you.

And that can get you and your day moving again.

Current as of: December 3, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.