Expert Tips at Managing Your Migraines
Trigger management is essential to mitigating migraines and their effects. Everyone has different triggers, though, so it may take some time to recognize what they are. However, research has found several common triggers among those who suffer from migraines.
Eat Healthy
Some of the foods you eat may be causing your migraines. Artificial sweeteners, aged cheese, cured meats, chocolate, and pickled food all have substances in them that are linked to headaches. Salty foods and foods with MSG can be triggers as well.
Don’t Overdo Caffeine or Alcohol
Caffeine can actually help with headaches and migraines, but if you consume too much of it on a regular basis, you’re at risk of caffeine withdrawal which can then trigger a migraine. Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, energy drinks and some fizzy drinks.
The dehydration alcohol causes is a major culprit when it comes to migraines and headaches. If you do drink, limit your intake of red wine as this seems to be the most common drink linked to migraines.
Get Sufficient Sleep
If you are often tired and suffer from frequent migraines, you should adjust your sleep patterns. Not getting enough rest makes you much more likely to suffer from migraines than you would if you were fully rested.
Avoid oversleeping, sleeping too little, or taking naps. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and practice good sleep hygiene to maintain your sleep patterns.
Keep your Migraine Medication Handy
In addition to avoiding your triggers, you can manage your migraines with medications. If you only get the occasional migraine, you can take over the counter (OTC) medications. However, if you frequently get migraines, there are prescription medications that can help relieve the painful, disruptive symptoms.
The most common medications prescribed for migraines belong to a class of drugs called triptans. Triptans, such as Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan, and Rizatriptan Tablets, treat acute migraine attacks once they start, but do not prevent future attacks.
They stop migraines by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain and narrowing blood vessels, lessening symptoms like pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light. They also reduce the chemicals released into the body during a migraine, further reducing symptoms.
Sumatriptan Tablets, Zolmitriptan Tablets, Rizatriptan Tablets can be bought online in the UK from Pharmacy Planet.
Authored By
HARMINDER ‘HARMY’ KAUR
BSc(hons) Pharmacy
GPhC Number: 2061107
Reviewed By
GURDEV SEHMI
BSc Pharm, MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber, Superintendent Pharmacist, Clinical Lead
GPhC Number: 2050925