Migraine relief: quick fixes, prevention, and when to get help

Migraine can stop your day in its tracks. Want fast relief that actually helps? Start with simple moves: find a dark, quiet place, apply a cold pack to your forehead or neck, and sip a small amount of caffeine if you tolerate it. Those steps often cut the pain enough to use a medicine more effectively.

Over-the-counter painkillers—ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin—work well for mild to moderate attacks when taken early. If you regularly get moderate to severe migraines, prescription migraine drugs like triptans or anti-nausea meds may be better. Talk with your doctor about options and timing; early treatment gives the best results.

Preventive options that actually reduce attacks

If you get several migraines a month or your headaches disrupt work or sleep, prevention makes sense. Common preventive choices include blood pressure medicines (beta-blockers), some antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and calcium-channel blockers like flunarizine. Newer options such as CGRP inhibitors and Botox can help people who haven’t responded to older meds. Pick a preventive plan with your doctor and try it consistently for a few months—these drugs take time to show benefit.

Non-drug prevention matters too. Keep a sleep schedule, eat regular meals, stay hydrated, and cut back on trigger foods or booze. Track attacks in a simple notebook or app so you spot patterns—sometimes one change (like fixing sleep) makes a big difference.

Home strategies, supplements, and when to seek care

Try low-risk options that can lower frequency: magnesium, riboflavin (B2), and coenzyme Q10 have evidence for some people. Relaxation, biofeedback, and simple neck stretches help those with tension and migraine mix. If nausea or vomiting is a problem, medicines that treat nausea can let you keep oral migraine meds down.

Call emergency services or get urgent care if a headache comes on suddenly like the worst ever, follows head trauma, is paired with weakness or vision loss, or if you have a fever with stiff neck. Also see a doctor if your usual treatments stop working or you need painkillers more than a few days a week—overuse can make headaches worse.

Want deeper reading? Check our detailed piece on using flunarizine for hemiplegic migraines and our guide on anti-nausea options. If you’re trying supplements or new meds, tell your provider about other drugs you take to avoid bad interactions. Small practical steps plus the right treatment plan can cut attacks and help you live normal days again.