Migraine Medication (cont.)
Jim Morelli, MS, RPh
Jim Morelli holds a B.S. from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health in Boston and an M.S. in civil engineering from Tufts University. He is registered as a pharmacist in the state of Georgia.
Gary D. Vogin, MD
Dr. Vogin is a board-certified general internist, having completed his residency in internal medicine at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia in June 1994. Before deciding on internal medicine, Vogin prepared for a career in pathology and was Outstanding Transitional First Year Graduate at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J., in 1991.
In this Article
- For what conditions are migraine medications used?
- What are the different types of migraine medications?
- What are the side effects of migraine medications?
- What are the warnings and precautions with migraine medications?
What are the side effects of migraine medications?
Triptans can cause:
- Tingling
- Sleepiness
- Flushing
- Throat and chest tightness
The most common side effect for ergotamines is nausea.
Side effects of beta-blockers include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Lowered blood pressure
Calcium channel blockers can cause:
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
Tricyclic antidepressants are associated with:
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Sedation
- Decreased libido
Other antidepressants may cause weight change and decreased libido.
The side effects of antiseizure medications depends on the specific drug:
Divalproex sodium can cause
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Hair loss
- Ringing in the ears
- Visual changes
- Shakiness
- Unsteadiness
- Weight changes
Gabapentin may cause
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Unsteadiness
- Fatigue
- Visual changes
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Constipation
Side effects of topiramate include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Tingling of hands and feet
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Impotence
- Weight loss
The side effects associated with the herbals used for migraines include burping and gastrointestinal issues.
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