The Ultimate Cure For Migraines
New guidelines from the American College of Physicians (ACP) suggest that doctors prescribe triptans for migraine patients who do not find relief from over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. This advice follows a comprehensive review showing that combining triptans with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen offers greater effectiveness in managing migraines than OTC medications alone. The findings were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Carolyn Crandall of UCLA School of Medicine led research demonstrating that patients who took a combination of triptans and NSAIDs experienced more significant and prolonged relief from migraine symptoms. These patients were less likely to need further medication within 24 hours, compared to those using triptans by themselves. The combined treatment also increased the likelihood of achieving pain relief within two hours and sustaining it for up to 48 hours.
Triptans help by adjusting blood flow in the brain and modifying how pain signals are processed, making them a widely used option for migraine relief. Previously, triptans alone were considered the primary treatment for episodic migraines, which occur fewer than 15 days a month. New evidence now supports the improved efficacy of combining triptans with other medications to enhance treatment outcomes for episodic migraines.
The updated guidelines advocate for a stepwise method, where doctors initially try OTC medications and move to triptan combinations if necessary. Neurologist Dr. Marianna Shnayderman Yugrakh from Columbia University also highlighted the importance of tailoring treatments to each patient’s unique symptoms and needs, noting that some may require multiple therapies depending on the nature and intensity of their migraines.
Overall, the new recommendations focus on using a combination of triptans and NSAIDs or acetaminophen for more effective migraine management, while emphasizing the importance of personalizing care to suit individual patients.
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