Tackling pain of migraines

suffer from migraines. How can I manage them?

may take time to work out the best treatment for you. You may need to try different types or combinations of medicines before you find which one is most effective.

If you find you can’t manage your migraines using over-the-counter medicines, your GP may prescribe something stronger.

Most people find that sleeping or lying in a darkened room is the best thing to do when having a migraine attack.

Others find that eating something helps, or they start to feel better once they have been sick. Many people who have migraines find that over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen, can help to reduce their symptoms.

They tend to be most effective if taken at the first signs of a migraine attack, as this gives them time to absorb into your bloodstream and ease your symptoms.

When taking over-the-counter painkillers, always make sure you read the instructions on the packaging and follow the dosage recommendations. If ordinary painkillers are not helping to relieve your migraine symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your GP.

They may recommend taking painkillers in addition to a type of medication called a triptan and possibly anti-sickness medication. Triptan medicines are a specific painkiller for migraine headaches.