Headache Articles A-Z
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Some people may experience as much benefit from acupuncture for migraines as those taking traditional drugs. This eMedTV page discusses the results of research studies on using acupuncture to treat migraines, including tips on finding a practitioner.
Almotriptan is a prescription drug approved to treat migraine headaches. This section of the eMedTV library describes how almotriptan works to relieve migraine symptoms, lists potential side effects, and offers some general dosing guidelines.
The usual dosage of almotriptan is 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg, taken as soon as a migraine starts. This eMedTV page also lists factors that can affect almotriptan dosing (like how you respond to the drug) and tips on taking your dosage.
This eMedTV segment explains that there are potential side effects of almotriptan, including drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea. This page also highlights some of the more serious almotriptan side effects, such as chest pain and hallucinations.
Amerge is a prescription medicine that is used to treat symptoms of a migraine. This eMedTV page explains how Amerge works to narrow the blood vessels in the head, lists some side effects of the drug, and provides tips on how to take the medicine.
Alternatives to Amerge may include medications such as Imitrex, Migranal, and Relpax. This eMedTV resource discusses Amerge alternatives, including lifestyle changes that may help alleviate symptoms of migraines, such as exercising more.
In studies, less than 1 percent of those taking Amerge developed heart problems. This eMedTV page discusses Amerge and heart problems it may cause (such as heart attacks), particularly in people with a history of (or risk factors for) heart disease.
Amerge may not be safe to take when pregnant. This eMedTV segment discusses Amerge and pregnancy, including an explanation as to why the FDA has classified the drug as a pregnancy Category C medication.
Generally, the Amerge dosage used to treat symptoms of a migraine is either 1 mg or 2.5 mg. As explained in this eMedTV segment, Amerge is not meant to be taken on a daily basis -- it should be taken as soon as possible once a migraine has started.
Types of drugs that may interact with Amerge include ergot medicines, triptans, and some antidepressants. This eMedTV article discusses certain Amerge drug interactions and their effects, some of which can be dangerous.
It is possible to overdose on Amerge. This eMedTV article identifies some potential Amerge overdose symptoms, such as loss of coordination, heart problems, and lightheadedness. This article also covers treatment options for a recent overdose.
Side effects of Amerge may include nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at Amerge side effects, including information about potentially serious health problems that may develop with the medication.
This eMedTV resource covers some Amerge uses, explaining that although the medication is licensed to treat migraines, it may also be used "off-label" to treat cluster headaches. This article also describes how Amerge relieves migraine symptoms.
Amerge Warnings and Precautions
This eMedTV page explores Amerge warnings and precautions, such as those concerning the increased risk for heart problems associated with the medication. This article also discusses who should not take Amerge, such as those with liver problems.
Axert is a prescription medicine that is used to treat a migraine headache as it occurs. This eMedTV article explains how Axert works to narrow blood vessels in the head, and also lists possible side effects of the drug and tips on how to take it.
This eMedTV resource explains that there are several Axert alternatives used to treat migraines, including lifestyle changes and other drugs. This page explains that you should talk to your doctor if Axert does not work for you or causes side effects.
This part of the eMedTV archives explores Axert and heart problems, explaining that people who have heart disease should not take Axert. This page also describes some of the risks of taking Axert if you have heart problems.
This portion of the eMedTV archives explains that if you are taking Axert and pregnancy occurs, you should let your healthcare provider know. Axert may not be safe to take during pregnancy.
The usual recommended Axert dosage is 6.25 mg or 12.5 mg. This eMedTV segment explains that the Axert dose your doctor prescribes will vary depending on several factors (like other drugs you may be taking) and should be taken only during a migraine.
Taking Axert with some antidepressants can potentially cause a group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. This eMedTV Web page covers other potential Axert drug interactions, which can occur with ritonavir, MAOIs, itraconazole, and other drugs.
