Read more about how to prevent migraines on this page. Migraine can be prevented by taking preventive medication or natural remedies. You can also avoid triggers that can cause migraine.
Preventive medication
With two or more attacks per month, you can consider taking daily medication to reduce the number of attacks per month. This medication is called prophylaxis. Taking preventive medication can reduce the number of migraine attacks per month by half and can also reduce the severity of the attacks. The preventive medications may be taken in addition to attack medications. These medications should be taken every day for three months. It is useful to set a goal for preventive treatment in advance. For example, do you want fewer migraine attacks per month or less severe headaches? After three months, we will check whether the desired effect of the medicine has been achieved. Beta-blockers, Candesartan and Amitriptyline are medicines that can be used to prevent migraine.
1. Beta-blocker or Candesartan
There are two types of medication to choose from to start preventive treatment. Beta-blockers and Candesartan have a similar effect but differ in side effects. Two different beta-blockers are Metoprolol and Propranolol.
2. Alternate between beta-blockers and Candesartan
If after three months it appears that the first chosen medicine, a beta-blocker or Candesartan, is not working sufficiently, the other medicine can be tried.
3. Amitriptyline
If the symptoms are still the same after trying a beta-blocker and Candesartan, Amitriptyline can be used.
Preventive natural remedies
Scientific studies have shown that some natural supplements can help reduce the severity and number of migraine attacks. These natural remedies are not as effective as medicines but offer a solution if you do not want to take medicines or if you are afraid of the side effects of medicines. Consult your doctor if you are considering trying these supplements and what dose you can take. The following supplements can be taken to reduce migraines:
- Riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2)
Take 400 mg of Riboflavin once a day. Take this supplement before meals. This supplement should not be taken with other supplements. - Magnesium citrate
Take 300 mg of Magnesium citrate twice a day. Take this supplement before meals. - Petasites hybridus
Take 75 mg of Petasites hybridus twice a day. - Coenzyme Q10
Take 100 mg of coenzyme 10 three times a day. Take this supplement before meals.
Avoiding triggers
Another way to prevent migraines is to avoid triggers that cause them. To properly identify these triggers, keeping a headache diary can be useful. By writing down the events that trigger migraines and the times when they occur, you can gain insight into whether there is a link between the events and when migraines occur. You can also do this test to find out which stimuli you are sensitive to and how you can avoid them.
Preventive treatment for menstrual migraine
Menstrual migraine can be prevented by taking short NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen before your period. If you are on birth pill, you can choose to skip the stop week by continuing to take it. Continuing to take the pill can prevent migraines. If you have migraine symptoms at other times besides your period, taking NSAIDs for a short period will not help. Indeed, if you take NSAIDs for a longer period, this can cause more headaches. However, the normal preventive treatment can be followed if you have migraines at other times besides menstruation.
Preventive treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding period
If you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant, you should stop taking preventive medication for migraine. In general, migraine decreases during pregnancy and breastfeeding period. If you still experience migraine, you can make an appointment with your GP.