Do you get migraines? If so, you are not alone.Migraines affect approximately 29.5 million Americans. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association nearly 18% of women and 6% of men suffer from 1 or more migraines per year. Hmmm...according to those numbers, which sex is responsible for causing the most headaches???

Actually there are many causes for migraines. According to the Mayo Clinic these include:

• Hormonal Changes
• Food
• Stress
• Medications
• Environmental Changes
• And much more.

So what can you do? This article is aimed specifically at informing you about the prescription medication which is indicated for prevention and/or treatment of migraine headaches. I hope the information provided is useful. At the end of the article I have included links to some popular migraine prescription medication coupons and free offers. Check them out!

They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is certainly so with respect to migraines. Several prescription medications are currently available that have been shown to reduce the frequency and/or severity of migraine headaches. These medications include:

1) Divalproex (also known as Depakote, Depakote ER or Stavzor): Traditionally used only to treat seizures, divalproex has been shown to reduce migraine frequency and severity. The original Depakote brand, sometimes called Depakote DR (delayed release) is now availabe generically at a substantial savings! The effectiveness of divalproex to prevent migraines has been demonstrated in clinical studies. For an example of one such study, click here. One advantage of the newer Depakote ER is that it can be taken once daily, as opposed to twice daily with the original Depakote or Stavzor.

Possible Side Effects: Nasea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, asthenia (weakness), tremor, hair loss, pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity, skin rash,

2) Propranolol (also known as Inderal or Inderal LA): Propranolol is typically used to reduce blood pressure and belongs to a family of medications known as "beta blockers". Propranolol is available generically and is relatively inexpensive. The "LA" (long acting) form is also available generically and can be taken once daily. Propranolol has been studied for migraine prevention for over 30 years, and recent studies continue to support the usefulness of this medication for prevention of migraine headaches.

Possible Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, short-term memory loss, visual disturbances, vivid dreams or nightmares, decreased libido.

3) Topiramate (also known as Topamax): Topiramate is another prescription medication for preventing migraines which was traditionally used to treat seizures. A large study documented the effectivenss of topiramate to reduce monthly migraine frequency by nearly 50%. This therapy is not approved for use in children.

Possible Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty with memory, weight loss, nervousness, and speech difficulty.

A Few Other Prescription Medications which are sometimes used (though not FDA approved) to prevent migraines are:

• Amitriptyline
• Atenolol
• Diltiazem
• Doxepin
• Verapamil

Prescription medications approved to treat an active migraine headache can be generally divided into two groups: Ergotamines and "Triptans" (a family of prescription medications specifically targeting migraine headaches).

ERGOTAMINES:

The mechanism by which this family of medications work is not fully understood. They are thought to stimulate receptors in blood vessels responsible for constriction. Examples of this type of medication include the prescription nasal spray Migranal, Ergomar, and Caffergot tablets (ergotamine and caffeine combination).

Possible Side Effects of Ergotamines include: Nausea and vomiting. Migranal nasal spray can also cause: throat & nasal irritation, nasal congestion, burning, and dryness.

TRIPTANS:

The discovery of this family of medications to treat migraine headache literally revolutionized migraine therapy. They work by very specific stimulation of seratonin receptors (known as 5HT1-D receptors) in the brain causing a reduction in both inflammation and vasodilation. A host of prescription "triptans" are currently available on the market and include:

• Amerge
• Axert
• Frova
• Imitrex (both tablets and nasal spray)
• Maxalt & Maxalt MLT (rapidly dissolving tablets)
• Treximet (the newest addition, which combines the active ingredient of Imitrex along with the pain reliever called "naproxen"
• Zomig, Zomig ZMT, and Zomig Nasal Spray

Possible Side Effects from Triptans Include: Dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomting, and fatigue.

The following websites have additional information for Migraine Patients:

The Migraine Resource Network

The Migraine Relief Center (sponsored by the makers of Imitrex)

American Headache Society

M.A.G.N.U.M The National Migraine Association

The National Headache Foundation

Here are some online offers, coupons, etc. to save money on your next prescription for your migraine medication:

Migranal $20.00 Coupon: Simply print the coupon and take it with you to the pharmacy with your prescription!

Depakote ER $20.00 Per Month: Save $20.00 per month with the Depakote ER Care Program. It is running through 2008, but it will likely be renewed again in 2009.

Topamax Free Trial Offer: Get up to 42 tablets of Topamax for free. Print the offer and bring to the pharmacy with your prescription for 25mg Topamax from your Doctor.

Frova $35.00 Rebate Offer: This rebate is currently good until 12/31/2008, but look for new rebates in 2009.

Treximet $50.00 Coupon: Register here to receive a $50.00 coupon for Treximet. Great deal!!!