What You Need To Know About Migraine Cocktails

A migraine cocktail is a combination of medications used to treat a migraine attack. This article will explain a migraine cocktail’s uses, ingredients, and potential side effects.

If you have experience with migraine attacks, you may have heard of a “migraine cocktail” as a treatment option. But what exactly is a migraine cocktail, and how does it work?

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What is a migraine cocktail?

A migraine cocktail isn’t an actual cocktail or a drink at all, but a combination of medications designed to treat the symptoms of a migraine attack. It typically includes a mix of pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-nausea medications. A migraine cocktail aims to provide fast and effective relief of the symptoms of a migraine attack.

Migraine is a chronic neurological condition that can cause severe head pain and many additional symptoms. Migraine attacks can also involve symptoms including:

• sensitivity to light and sound
• nausea and or vomiting
• vision changes or aura
• mood changes
• aphasia
• numbness
• fatigue
• confusion

Migraine attacks can last from several hours to several days and can be debilitating.

For many people who live with migraine, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin alone may not be effective in relieving the symptoms of a migraine attack. In these cases, a migraine cocktail can be an effective alternative.

What medications are in a migraine cocktail?

The medications in a migraine cocktail may vary depending on the patient’s needs, medical history, and the severity of their migraine attack. However, a migraine cocktail typically includes a combination of the following:

• OTC NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): NSAIDs are pain relief medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium. Lower doses are available over the counter, but a doctor can prescribe higher doses, too. These drugs help reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the production of enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX).
• Triptans: Triptans are prescription medications used primarily to alleviate migraine symptoms and reduce the duration of an episode. They work by constricting the brain’s blood vessels and blocking nerves in the brain that become activated during a migraine attack.
• Anti-nausea medications: This class of medications, also called antiemetics, includes drugs like Metoclopramide, Ondansetron, and Promethazine. These drugs help alleviate nausea and vomiting. A doctor may include one of these medications in your migraine cocktail if you are prone to nausea and vomiting during your episodes.
• Benadryl: Benadryl, or another antihistamine, is sometimes added to the mix to help with inflammation and counteract the other medications’ potential side effects.
• IV fluids: if you receive a migraine cocktail in a hospital setting, you may receive IV fluids. Doctors generally recommend this if you are experiencing extreme vomiting that could lead to dehydration.
• Other pain relief medications: depending on the severity of your pain and where you receive the migraine cocktail, your doctor may include additional pain relievers. If the cocktail is administered in an emergency room, you may be given ketorolac, a more potent NSAID. They may also add acetaminophen, a pain reliever, which can be taken alongside NSAIDs.

The combination of medications in a migraine cocktail may vary depending on the patient’s specific needs.

How to make a migraine cocktail

A migraine cocktail can be made at home if you have the appropriate medication on hand. Some medications in a migraine cocktail can be purchased over the counter, others require a prescription from a healthcare professional.

If you are prescribed a migraine cocktail, your doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare it and when to take it.

However, remember that high doses of these medications can be potent and should only be taken under the guidance of a medical professional. Mixing medications incorrectly or using the wrong dosage can be dangerous.

Some people also make an OTC migraine cocktail that includes:

• 250 milligrams (mg) of aspirin
• 250 mg of acetaminophen
• 65 mg of caffeine

Can urgent care do a migraine cocktail?

Urgent care centers and emergency rooms can administer a migraine cocktail as “treatments” for migraine attacks. They have access to the necessary medications and can administer them safely under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Sometimes, visiting an urgent care center or emergency room may be the best option for migraine treatment, especially if the symptoms are severe or you cannot access the necessary medications at home.

Potential side effects of a migraine cocktail

As with any medication, a migraine cocktail can cause side effects. The specific side effects vary depending on the drugs included in the cocktail, but common side effects are:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• dry mouth
• blurred vision
• muscle weakness

These side effects are usually mild and temporary, but in some cases, they can be more severe. Contact your doctor if you experience severe or persistent side effects after taking a migraine cocktail.

When to seek medical attention

While a migraine cocktail can be an effective treatment option for migraine attacks, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if your migraine attacks are becoming more frequent or severe or experiencing new symptoms. In addition, if you are experiencing severe or persistent side effects from a migraine cocktail, you should contact a healthcare professional.

If you’re preparing to take a migraine cocktail, it’s important to follow your healthcare professional’s instructions and only take medications prescribed to you.

The bottom line

Migraine can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts your quality of life. If OTC pain relievers and at-home remedies aren’t effective in relieving the symptoms of your migraine attacks, a migraine cocktail may be a treatment option to consider.

By working with your doctor, you can find a treatment plan tailored to your needs and effectively relieves your migraine attacks.