Imitrex Alternatives

For the treatment of migraine headaches, there are a number of alternatives to Imitrex. Lifestyle changes and medications can be among these Imitrex alternatives. Some examples of lifestyle changes that may improve migraines include getting regular exercise, receiving biofeedback for migraines, and preventing migraine triggers (which include certain foods or stressful situations). Triptans and ergot medications are among the alternative drugs sometimes used to treat migraines.

 

Alternatives to Imitrex: An Overview

There are several alternatives to Imitrex® (sumatriptan succinate) for the treatment of migraine headaches. These Imitrex alternatives include lifestyle changes and other migraine medications.
 
Lifestyle Changes
For many people, lifestyle changes help improve their migraine headaches. Preventing migraine triggers, such as certain foods or stressful situations, can help improve migraines (see Migraine Diet for more information). Biofeedback for migraines can also be helpful. Regular exercise can also help improve migraine symptoms.
 
Medications
There are basically two types of migraine medications: those used to treat migraine headaches that have already started and those used to prevent them from starting in the first place. Some medications for treating migraines that have already started include:
 
  • Triptans (other migraine medications very similar to Imitrex), such as:
  • Ergot medications, such as:
o Dihydroergotamine (Migranal®)
o Ergotamine (Bellamine-S®, Cafergot®, Ergomar®)
  • Other pain medications, including narcotics or over-the-counter medications for pain.
     
If migraines occur frequently or are extremely severe, medication for migraine prevention is an option. Some of the medications used to prevent migraines include:
 
(Imitrex Alternatives Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;