Migraines are characterized as excruciatingly painful headaches commonly accompanied by symptoms of nausea and/or sensory hypersensitivity (such as to light or sound). A small percentage of individuals with migraines are able to prevent future migraine attacks with strategic lifestyle changes such as: reducing stress, adhering to a strict sleep schedule, and/or dietary adjustments. However, many …
Maxalt (Rizatriptan) is a pharmaceutical medication engineered by Merck & Co. for the treatment of migraine headaches (with or without aura). It received FDA approval in 1998 as an abortive antimigraine intervention and is chemically classified as a second-generation triptan (tryptamine-based). Analogous to other triptans, Rizatriptan remains ineffective as a migraine prophylactic, however, it is …
Relpax (Eletriptan) is a medication manufactured by Pfizer Inc. for the acute treatment of migraine headaches (with or without aura) in adults. It was initially approved by the FDA in 2002 and is regarded as a highly effective abortive agent, engineered to attenuate already-occurring migraine attacks. Chemically, Relpax is classified as a second generation triptan …
Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that was initially FDA approved in 1964 (under the brand name “Pamelor”) for the treatment of major depression. It is regarded as chemical successor to Amitriptyline based on the fact that Nortriptyline is Amitriptyline’s predominant psychoactive metabolite. Since Nortriptyline has been on the market since the mid-1960s, researchers are …
Amitriptyline (brand name “Elavil”) is a medication that was initially approved by the FDA in 1961 for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Due to its three-ring chemical structure, it is formally classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Though not formally approved in the United States to treat conditions other than major depression, Amitriptyline is …
Sumatriptan (brand names “Imitrex”) is a synthetic medication that was initially approved in 1991 for the treatment of migraine and cluster headaches. Chemically, it is classified as a “triptan” or tryptamine-based agent and is identified as a structural analogue of various alkaloids such as bufotenine and DMT (dimethyltryptamine). When administered following the onset of a …
Fioricet is a brand name medication comprised of the following ingredients: butalbital (50 mg), acetaminophen (300 mg), and caffeine (40 mg). The combination of a barbiturate (butalbital), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (acetaminophen), and central nervous system stimulant (caffeine) – seem to act synergistically to alleviate various types of headaches. Medically, Fioricet is approved by the …