For those suffering from a migraine, the medications can’t work fast enough.

“There are different types of medication that are used,” explains Dr. Aldith Lewis, an internal medicine physician with Lee Memorial Health System. The medication prescribed by Dr. Lewis and her team depends on the frequency and intensity of your headaches. “Some are used to actually treat the migraines, they are abortive medicines. And some are used to prevent migraine headaches,” she adds.

More doctors are using these two different approaches. Abortive medications work after the migraine has emerged. “The most common one is Symatryptan, which is Imitrex, that is usually used to treat the headaches.” Some medications are prescribed beforehand. “If you are getting more than one migraine per week, or if the migraine is disabling, is affecting your work activities, family life, school, then they recommend preventative medication.”

Dr. Lewis says the best time to treat a headache of any kind is when you first start feeling the pain. “If the frequency has changed, if it’s the worst headache of your life, you should seek medical attention,” she warns.

Certain things can help trigger migraines: chocolate, alcohol, stress, lack of sleep, even dehydration.

Dr. Lewis suggests scheduling an appointment with your physician to find a prescribed medication that can help with the pain.