Antimigraine

Antimigraine is a class of medication used specifically for the treatment of migraine headaches. Derived from the understanding of the pathophysiology of migraines, these medications are part of the broader category of analgesics, but are distinct in their specific effectiveness for migraines.

Mechanism of Action

Antimigraine medications work by constricting the blood vessels around the brain. This action is thought to relieve the pain of a migraine headache by reducing the amount of blood flow around the brain. Some of these medications also have a mild analgesic effect.

Types of Antimigraine Medications

There are several types of antimigraine medications, including:

• Triptans: These are selective serotonin receptor agonists. They are the most commonly prescribed antimigraine medications and include drugs like sumatriptan and rizatriptan.
• Ergot Alkaloids: These drugs are less commonly used due to their side effects, but can be effective in some patients. They include drugs like ergotamine and dihydroergotamine.
• CGRP antagonists: These are a newer class of drugs that block the action of a molecule called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which is involved in migraine attacks.

Side Effects

Like all medications, antimigraine drugs can have side effects. These can include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Sleepiness

It's important for patients to discuss these potential side effects with their healthcare provider.

See Also

• Migraine
• Analgesic
• Triptan
• Ergot Alkaloids
• CGRP antagonists

Antimigraine Resources
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