Headache & Migraine

Headache and migraine symptoms

The main symptom of a headache is a pain in your head or face. The type of pain can vary and can be throbbing, constant, sharp or dull. The pain typically lasts for between 30 minutes and several hours but can go on for days in some cases.

A migraine is usually a moderate to severe headache causing a throbbing pain on one side of the head. This can often be accompanied by feelings of sickness or being sick and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people also experience flashing lights or other symptoms.

Headache and migraine causes

There are a number of reasons you may experience a headache. Some of the most common causes include having a cold or the flu, and feeling stressed. You may also develop a headache if you’ve drunk too much alcohol, or if you’re not eating enough food or drinking enough fluids – leading to dehydration. Bad posture and eyesight problems can also cause headaches, as can having your period or if you’re going through menopause.

It’s not fully understood what causes a migraine. It’s thought to be associated with abnormal brain activity which can temporarily impact nerve signals, blood vessels and chemicals in the brain. It’s also suggested that genes may play a part.

Certain triggers are thought to cause migraines. These can include emotional triggers, like stress, anxiety and depression, as well as physical triggers such as tiredness, neck and shoulder tension and bad posture. Some women find that they struggle with migraines around the time of their period. This is believed to be due to fluctuating hormone levels.

Certain medications may also lead to migraines, such as some types of contraceptive pills or sleeping tablets. For some people, certain foods like chocolate, cheese and citrus fruits can trigger a migraine, as can caffeine and alcohol. There are environmental factors that can set off a migraine too, including bright lights, loud noises, flickering screens, strong smells and even changes in the weather. 

Headache and migraine treatments

Here at Pharmacy+Health, we can help you find a suitable treatment to help ease the symptoms of your headache or migraine. These include:

Headaches

Paracetamol

This is a commonly used medicine that is available over the counter. It works to reduce pain and high temperatures, and it is effective in relieving mild to moderate pain caused by headaches. It is safe for most people to take, and it has few side effects. 

Ibuprofen 

Ibuprofen is a painkiller that is used to treat aches and pains, including headaches. It is combined with other painkillers in some products. Like paracetamol, you can purchase ibuprofen over the counter. 

Migraine
Prophylatic injection (Erenumab)
This injection works by preventing the action of certain natural substances in the body that are responsible for causing the symptoms of migraines. It comes as a pre-filled syringe and it is injected into the stomach or thigh. 

Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan is effective if taken as soon as your migraine starts, and it can work within 30 to 60 minutes. It is available as tablets, nasal spray or an injection. It is available on prescription, or you can purchase packs containing 2 50mg tablets over the counter if you have been diagnosed with migraines. 

Almotriptan
Almotriptan works by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain, preventing pain signals and blocking the release of the natural substances that can cause the symptoms of a migraine, such as pain and nausea. Available on prescription only, this medication comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth. 

Eletriptan
Taken at the first sign of a migraine, eletriptan stops pain signals going to the brain and therefore prevents symptoms like nausea and pain. It is taken as a tablet with or without food, and it is available on prescription only.

Frovatriptan
Used to treat acute migraines and available on prescription, frovatriptan works by relieving the pain associated with this condition. Many people who take frovatriptan find that their symptoms significantly improve, meaning they experience less pain and feel able to go back to carrying out their usual activities. Some people find that their migraines go away completely.

Naratriptan
Effective in relieving the symptoms of a migraine, naratriptan is taken in tablet form. If one tablet has been taken and you feel your symptoms improve but then come back again, you may take another tablet as long as it has been at least 4 hours since you took the first. This medication is only available via prescription. 

Rizatriptan
Available as a tablet or melt, rizatriptan can provide relief for migraine symptoms within two hours. It is usually recommended that it is taken alongside over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, an anti-sickness medicine. It’s thought that taking rizatriptan with fizzy water makes it work faster. 

Zolmitriptan
Zolmitriptan is taken by mouth, with or without food, and it is most effective when taken at the first sign of a migraine. If there is no improvement in your symptoms after your first dose, you may take another dose, making sure you leave 2 hours between doses. It is only available by prescription.

Book a migraine and headache clinic appointment today

If you’re struggling with the symptoms of a headache or migraine, we can help. Pharmacy+Health provides consultation appointments and treatments for headaches and many other common health conditions. Our pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can provide clinical advice and recommend the most suitable treatment for you when you need it.