Some headaches, usually migraines, do not respond to the usual over-the-counter and even prescription headache medications. Once it is clear that there is no serious underlying cause, such as an aneurysm, several injectable medications can be given in an emergency room (during office hours at the New York Headache Center we also give injections in the office). These medicines may include intravenous injections of: magnesium sulfate (which is not a medication, but a mineral), sumatriptan (Imitrex, which can be self-injected by patients at home), ketorolac (or it is also called Toradol, which is a drug in the aspirin family), dexamethasone (Decadron, a steroid drug, which can help pain of almost any type, but cannot be given for long periods of time), prochlorperazine (or Compazine, which is a nausea medication but can help pain as well), valproate sodium (Depacon), and several other drugs.
Read MoreMenstrual migraines are at times very difficult to treat. Triptans, such as Maxalt, Imitrex and other are usually very effective, but in some patients do not provide sufficient relief. Corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone and dexamethasone can help some patients. Marcelo Bigal and his colleagues compared treatment of menstrual migraines with Maxalt alone, dexamethasone alone, and combination of the two. Maxalt was much better than dexamethasone, providing sustained 24-hour relief in 63% of patients vs 33%, but the combination was better than Maxalt alone, giving relief to 82% of women. We would always try Maxalt or a similar drug alone, but if one drug is insufficient a combination with dexamethasone should be tried. Corticosteroids should not be used for more than a few days a month because frequent and prolonged use can lead to serious side effects.
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