The Difference Bewteen Abortive and Preventive Headache Medications
Many people who suffer with migraines or chronic headaches take medicines called “preventives” or “abortives”. Or, perhaps they are like me and take both kinds. Until recently, I didn’t think there was ANY difference between an abortive and preventative medication, and I have two college degrees. I was recently set straight by my primary doctor, Dr. Fountain Of Youth Face.
However, if I made the mistake, then perhaps other readers out there in the blogosphere will, too. I’ve seen the terms used interchangeably in medical websites, and I’m sure I’m guilty of doing the same thing on this blog. I’ll be going back through some of my older posts to correct that mistake.
Anyway…
An abortive medication stops something once it already begins. Such a medicine would be Zomig nasal spray, or Imitrex (sumatriptan), which is taken as soon as you feel a migraine coming on. (And remember — an abortive does NOT mean it will give you a sudden abortion. It’s just a name.)
On the other hand, a preventive medicine stops anything from even starting in the first place. In the wacky world of migraines, you would have to take this medicine every day, no matter how you were feeling. Such a medicine would be DHE. Another medication would be verapamil, which is actually a high blood pressure medication that (as a side effect) often reduced the frequency of migraine attacks in migraineurs.
Still, It’s Not A Cure All
No matter if you take an abortive or a preventive medication (or both), you still need other painkillers, ways of coping with stress and to identify and avoid anything that might trigger a migraine. Keeping a headache journal helps you identify your triggers.
Hope this helps.
July 20th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imigran) is a Triptan. It isn’t a preventive and shouldn’t be used daily. It’s an abortive just like zolmitriptan (Zomig). The other Triptans are naratriptan (Amerge, Naramig), rizatriptan (Maxalt), almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), and eletriptan (Relpax). DHE (dihydroergotamine) is also an abortive.
July 20th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
(Smacks self in head) Thanks for the heads up, Pam! I’ve edited the post. I have been told by a doctor that Imitrex can be used as a preventative, but I see that’s not on the official dosage directions, is it?
July 20th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I think you should post more often, I have enjoyed this so far. Added to my reader. Btw, my blog is dofollow, stop by and grab a link. SusanO
July 20th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
I’ve heard of some people using DHE daily (more than 2 or 3 times a week) but only for a specific amount of time. Often they use IV DHE inpatient to break a Migraine.
Also doctors will often prescribe a Triptan for Menstrual Migraines a few days before, during, and a few days after a female’s period.
I haven’t heard of a doctor prescribing Imitrex on a daily basis because of the possibility of Rebound Headaches.
Pam =)
September 5th, 2008 at 10:07 am
[...] Difference Bewteen Abortive and Preventive Headache Medications by Rena [...]