What is cyproheptadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cyproheptadine (Periactin) is an oral antihistamine used for treating allergic reactions. It works by blocking the effects of histamine and is classified as a first generation antihistamine. Histamine is released by cells of the body during several types of allergic reactions and, to a...
What are barbiturates? Barbiturates are central nervous depressants. They reduce the activity of nerves causing muscle relaxation. They can reduce heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. All barbiturates affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter (chemical) that nerves use to communicate with one another. For what conditions are barbiturates prescribed? Barbiturates are medications used for treating...
What is Aimovig, and what is it used for? Aimovig is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. It is not known if Aimovig is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. Before you start using Aimovig, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including...
What is aspirin? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Aspirin is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. It also prevents blood clots (i.e., is antithrombotic). As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild to moderate pain of many causes, including headaches, injury, menstrual cramps,...
What is erenumab (Aimovig)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Erenumab (Aimovig) is a new medication used for preventing migraine attacks. It received the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval on May 17, 2018. It belongs to a new class of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRP-R) antagonist. CGRP-R is a chemical produced...
What is naproxen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Naproxen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work...
There are seven common types of Migraines include complicated migraine, chronic migraine, a hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, vestibular migraine, Menstrual migraines, and brainstem aura. The most common type of migraine is migraine without aura (common migraine). 70-90% of people with migraine experience this type. The frequency of this type of migraine may range from once...
How are migraines diagnosed? Migraines are diagnosed based on your symptoms, type and location of headache, and headache frequency and triggers. To make the diagnosis of migraine, your doctor will take your complete medical history. They will ask you about: Your headache symptoms The type and location of your headache The frequency of headaches Triggers...
What causes headaches at the back of the head? Migraine is most commonly seen in females. Headaches in the back of the head can have a number of different causes; it might only be due to a minor injury or it can be a secondary symptom of other problems in the body. The type and...
What is a migraine? The exact cause of migraines remains a mystery. However, several factors are associated with migraines. A migraine is a complex disorder that involves episodes of recurrent and severe headaches. A migraine headache is usually on one side and may be associated with visual or sensory symptoms, collectively called aura. The aura...