Pharmacology Study Guide on Headaches, A+
Classifications of Migraines
1. Migraine with aura
Transient focal neurological symptoms that precede or is during the migraine
2. Migraine without aura
3. Chronic migraine
Based on chronicity of symptoms
What are some triggers of Migraines
alcohol
strong light
noxious odors
extreme fatigue
certain foods
Pathophysiology of Migraines
What are the goals of treatment for migraines
- Minimize impact on quality of life, social functioning, and ability to work (50%
Reduction is the goal- for preventative therapy)
- Prevent migraine by avoiding triggers
- Minimize adverse effects of pharmacotherapy
- Avoid medication overuse or abuse
,Migraines- Acute or abortive therapy, what do we use?
OTC analgesics-
Aspirin
Acetaminophen (APAP)
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
Combination formulations
Excedrin migraine or Advil migraine
What are the classifications of medications we use for migraines
Ergots
Triptans
Ditans
Gepants
Antiemetics
Ergots- what is it's function, names of medications, what forms do they come in?
They are vasoconstrictors
Ergotamine- tablets or supporitories
Dihydroergotamine (DHE)- IM or IN
, When should ergots be taken?
At the beginning of a migraine attack- suppositories especially
What should we pretreat those taking ergots with?
antiemetic, stimulating serotonin receptors and vasoconstriction causes these
symptoms
Ergot ADRs
Medication overuse headache (MOH)
vasoconstrictor effects
nausea, vomiting
Pregnancy category X
What limit should be set or ergot doses?
Should be limited to 2 doses, twice a week or less, and up to 12 doses a month.
Triptans, what are their function, and names of medications
Serotonin receptor agonists, which result in vasoconstriction
Sumatriptan- and other triptans
ends in "triptan"
Classifications of Migraines
1. Migraine with aura
Transient focal neurological symptoms that precede or is during the migraine
2. Migraine without aura
3. Chronic migraine
Based on chronicity of symptoms
What are some triggers of Migraines
alcohol
strong light
noxious odors
extreme fatigue
certain foods
Pathophysiology of Migraines
What are the goals of treatment for migraines
- Minimize impact on quality of life, social functioning, and ability to work (50%
Reduction is the goal- for preventative therapy)
- Prevent migraine by avoiding triggers
- Minimize adverse effects of pharmacotherapy
- Avoid medication overuse or abuse
,Migraines- Acute or abortive therapy, what do we use?
OTC analgesics-
Aspirin
Acetaminophen (APAP)
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
Combination formulations
Excedrin migraine or Advil migraine
What are the classifications of medications we use for migraines
Ergots
Triptans
Ditans
Gepants
Antiemetics
Ergots- what is it's function, names of medications, what forms do they come in?
They are vasoconstrictors
Ergotamine- tablets or supporitories
Dihydroergotamine (DHE)- IM or IN
, When should ergots be taken?
At the beginning of a migraine attack- suppositories especially
What should we pretreat those taking ergots with?
antiemetic, stimulating serotonin receptors and vasoconstriction causes these
symptoms
Ergot ADRs
Medication overuse headache (MOH)
vasoconstrictor effects
nausea, vomiting
Pregnancy category X
What limit should be set or ergot doses?
Should be limited to 2 doses, twice a week or less, and up to 12 doses a month.
Triptans, what are their function, and names of medications
Serotonin receptor agonists, which result in vasoconstriction
Sumatriptan- and other triptans
ends in "triptan"
