Medicines (Pharmacological)

Pharmacological treatment plays a key role in managing period migraines by targeting both the symptoms during an attack and preventing future episodes.

The 3 types of treatment strategies include:

Acute treatment: enhanced to hit these migraines harder than usual migraines

Mini-prevention: is a preventive treatment given before and during the menstrual window

Long-term prevention: in which a daily preventive treatment is used throughout the month.

The choice of treatment depends on the individual's symptoms, frequency of migraines, and response to previous therapies. A personalized approach, often guided by a healthcare professional, helps ensure that the chosen medication strategy is both effective and well-tolerated.

Pharmacological treatment option is always recommended under a doctor's supervision. Consult your doctor before taking any of the medications mentioned below.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature.

NSAIDs are available as tablets, capsules, suppositories (capsules inserted into the bottom), creams, gels and injections. Some can be bought over the counter from pharmacies, while others need a prescription.

The main types of NSAIDs include:

• Ibuprofen

• Naproxen

• Diclofenac

• Mefenamic acid

• Etoricoxib

• Indomethacin

• Aspirin

Medicine 1: NSAIDs

Triptans

Triptans, also known as serotonin receptor agonists, are a class of drugs used to treat acute attacks of migraines. They are available in different formulations and include:

1. Sumatriptan

2. Naratriptan

3. Zolmitriptan

4. Rizatriptan

5. Almotriptam

6. Frovatriptan

7. Eletriptan

Medicine 2: Triptans

Combined Oral Contraceptives

Combination birth control pills, also known as the pill, are oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and a progestin.

Combination birth control pills come in different mixtures of active and inactive pills, including:

Conventional pack: One common type contains 21 active pills and seven inactive pills. Inactive pills do not contain hormones. Formulations containing 24 active pills and four inactive pills, known as a shortened pill-free interval, also are available. Some newer pills may contain only two inactive pills. You take a pill every day and start a new pack when you finish the old one. Packs usually contain 28 days of pills. Bleeding may occur every month during the time when you take the inactive pills that are at the end of each pack.

Extended-cycle pack: These packs typically contain 84 active pills and seven inactive pills. Bleeding generally occurs only four times a year during the seven days you take the inactive pills.

Continuous-dosing pack: A 365-day pill is also available. You take this pill every day at the same time. For some people, periods stop altogether. For others, periods become significantly lighter. You do not take any inactive pills.

Medicine 3: Combined Oral Contraceptives