Migraines are a common recognized medical condition which involves a type of recurring, chronic headache. According to statistics, approximately 6 percent of all men and 18 percent of all women have suffered at least one migraine in a year.  In fact, approximately 30 million Americans suffer from migraines.  The condition is caused by abnormal brain activity which can be activated by certain factors such as food or stress.

Although anyone may suffer from migraines, they generally begin with people who are between 10 and 40 and become less frequent in individuals 50 and older.  Migraines affect approximately 11 out of every 100 people, and approximately ¾ of all individuals who suffer from migraines are female.  Some individuals may suffer a few migraines during their entire life, whereas others may suffer from several every single month.  Migraines also tend to run in certain families.

Migraines involve inconsistent characteristics and triggers vary greatly.  Some people will experience relief by applying cold or heat to the area of the head that is affected, but others will find that this only makes their migraine worse.

Migraines With Aura

Migraines are considered a neurological disease of persistent headaches, and they can be with aura or without aura.  This type of headache may be accompanied by other symptoms.  Many migraine sufferers suffer from an early symptom known as an aura, with visual aura being the most common.  Individuals may see zigzag lines, hallucinations, wavy images or bright lights around their field of vision or around objects.  They normally experience this neurological phenomenon called aura 10 to 30 minutes before the actual headache.

Migraines Without Aura

The most common type of migraine is one without aura which may occur on both sides or only one side of your head.  You may suffer from mood changes or feel tired the day before you get the headache.  Many people suffer from photophobia or light sensitivity, vomiting and nausea when they get a migraine without aura.

Migraine Therapies

There are various therapies specifically created to help people manage migraines.  You may need to test several before finding one that works for you.  The class of drugs called triptans may be effective, but resting in a dark, quiet room may also help.  Make sure you drink lots of fluids so you don’t become dehydrated, particularly if you are vomiting.

Migraine Medications

There are many medications available to help you relieve migraine symptoms, but their effectiveness depends on your particular case.  The following medications can be used to prevent migraines:

• Clonidine
• Calcium channel antagonists
• Ergonovine
• Methysergide
• Topiramate (Topamax)
• Valproic acid
• Amitriptyline
• Cyproheptadine
• Propranolol
• Carbamazepine

You may end up taking ergotamine tartrate preparations to constrict the arteries in your head with or without other drugs such as Fioricet, caffeine (Cafergot) or Phenobarbital.  Medications such as Propoxyphene can alleviate inflammation and pain and nausea can be treated with drugs such as Compazine and Reglan.

Migraine Treatment Options

You can treat migraines by focusing on treatment options that focus on prevention, controlling symptoms and avoiding certain triggers.  You should eat regular meals, limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol and develop regular sleeping patterns.  Self-hypnosis and visualization techniques may also help you to treat or even prevent migraines.  Physical therapy and massage therapy can also lower the intensity and frequency of your migraines.  If you suffer from jaw pain, try massaging that area.

If you suffer from typical migraines, you can take Triptans, Amidrine or certain serotonin receptor agonists such as Sumatriptan.  If your migraine is persistent and severe, you may experience relief with intravenous chlorpromazine.  Receiving an injection or suppository of anti-emetics may be required if you are vomiting as a result of migraines.  Botox is a surprising alternative that often relieves chronic or frequent migraines for patients.  Although ergot drugs are expensive, they may be used to prevent further migraines.  Once you determine which triggers cause your migraines, you need to make a concerted effort to avoid them.

Fioricet may be an effective way to manage frequent migraines or tension headaches. Even though Fioricet is not designed to be a general pain reliever, the brand name drug can be used for various types of pain including migraines and tension headaches. You will need a prescription for Fioricet which may provide you with relief from persistent and severe headaches.

Fioricet is a combination drug that includes caffeine, butalbital and acetaminophen. The latter is the main ingredient in pain relievers such as Tylenol and is a common over-the-counter pain reliever. If you are taking Fioricet, you need to discuss any other medications you are currently taking with your doctor. Acetaminophen is often found in cold and cough products, so you may end up overdosing.

Many beverages such as tea, colas and coffee, many foods as well as various over-the-counter drugs also contain caffeine. Caffeine makes the acetaminophen in Fioricet more effective. If you are taking Fioricet, you should not take other substances that contain caffeine. You risk suffering from nervousness or overdosing.

The sedative Butalbital belongs to the class of drugs known as barbiturates, and it is used as a muscle relaxant in Fioricet. Butalbital is used to alleviate muscle tension caused by tension headaches. Because any barbiturates can be addictive, you need to be careful not to develop a dependency when you take Fioricet.

You should only take Fioricet according to your doctor’s prescriptions. Never take more than the prescribed dosage, even if you are not obtaining relief from your current dose. If the drug is no longer working as well, it may indicate that you are becoming addicted to it. You should not take Fioricet if you have had any problems with drug addiction previously.

Fioricet can cause various side effects such as nausea, anxiety, drowsiness, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, dizziness, shaking, lightheadedness or nervousness, and in rare cases, an allergic reaction. If you suffer any of these side effects, talk to your doctor as they may indicate signs of withdrawal, dependency or misuse.

You can also suffer a fatal overdose by taking too much Fioricet. If you believe you may have overdosed, make sure to seek immediate medical attention. You may need to slowly start taking lower doses of Fioricet to avoid symptoms of withdrawal and side effects. Don’t stop taking the drug without discussing the situation with your doctor.

Although Fioricet has risks, it can be an effective way to control migraines and headaches caused by tension. The risks are much lower when you take the medication according to your doctor’s prescription. If you suffer from chronic or severe tension headaches, make sure to ask your doctor about taking Fioricet.