Preventive treatment Some medicines used daily can help prevent attacks. Many of these drugs were designed to treat other health conditions, such as epilepsy and depression. Some examples are:

    * antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil®) or venlafaxine (Effexor®)
    * anticonvulsants, such as divalproex sodium (Depakote®) or topiramate (Topamax®)
    * beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal®) or timolol (Blocadren®)
    * calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil

These drugs may not prevent all migraines, but they can help a lot. Hormone therapy may help prevent attacks in women whose migraines seem to be linked to their menstrual cycle. Ask your doctor about prevention drugs if:

    * your migraines do not respond to drugs for symptom relief
    * your migraines are disabling or cause you to miss work, family activities, or social events
    * you are using pain-relief drugs more than two times a week

Some migraine medicines should not be used when you are pregnant because they can cause birth defects and other problems. This includes over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Talk with your doctor if migraine is a problem while you are pregnant or if you are planning to become pregnant. The good news is that for most women migraines improve or stop from about the third month of the pregnancy. Also, ask your doctor about what migraine medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding.

Lifestyle changes
Practicing these habits can reduce the number of migraine attacks:

    * Avoid or limit triggers.
    * Get up and go to bed the same time every day.
    * Eat healthy foods and do not skip meals.
    * Engage in regular physical activity.
    * Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
    * Learn ways to reduce and cope with stress.

Alternative methods
Biofeedback has been shown to help some people with migraine. It involves learning how to monitor and control your body’s responses to stress, such as lowering heart rate and easing muscle tension. Other methods, such as acupuncture and relaxation, may help relieve stress. Counseling also can help if you think your migraines may be related to depression or anxiety. Talk with your doctor about these treatment methods.

Home treatment
When symptoms begin:

    * If you take migraine medicine, take it right away.
    * Drink fluids, if you don't have nausea during your migraine.
    * Lie down and rest in a dark, quiet room, if that is practical.

Some people find the following useful:

    * a cold cloth applied to the head
    * rubbing or applying pressure to the spot where there is pain
    * massage or other relaxation exercises

Adapted from The National Women's Health Information Center (womenshealth.gov)