Acute Treatment of Migraine
Only 50% of patients with migraine have seen a physician. Only two-thirds of patients who have seen a physician have been correctly diagnosed with migraine and prescribed migraine-specific treatments. Mild to moderate headaches may respond to NSAIDs, Tylenol, or Excedrin. If they fail, triptans are the treatment of choice. There are 3 brands and 4 generic preparations, and they are available in oral, nasal, and injectable formulations. A new transdermal delivery system is available. When taken early in the attack, response is much higher. Frequency should be limited to 2 or at most 3 days a week to reduce the risk of medication-overuse headaches (rebound headaches).
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