BETTER HEADACHE MEDICATION [ back to What's New ]
A new generation of anti-migraine drugs known as 5-HT receptor agonists shows great promise in reducing the severity and intensity of the severe headaches which accompany traumatic migraine from a blow to the head. These medications imitate the action of serotonin without the side effects of introducing extra serotonin into the system. They constrict swollen blood vessels in the meninges, the membranes covering the brain. They also block the leakage of inflammatory substances from intra-cranial blood vessels. Finally, they inhibit the firing of neurons in the trigeminal nerve which send pain messages to the brain. The drugs are named Imitrex (sumaptriptan), Amerge (naratriptan) and Maxalt (rizatriptan). The 3 drugs differ as to rate of absorption and rate of action. Current research indicates that Maxalt is absorbed faster and stops migraines more quickly than the others. However, all 3 are a vast improvement over earlier headache medications. To prevent migraines from starting in the first place, doctors prescribe an anti-convulsant medication called  Deptakote. If you have suffered frequent episodes of severe headache following a blow to the head (which may or may not be accompanied by hypersensitivity to light, nausea or vomiting), you should ask your neurologist about these medications.