Finding the Right Cocktail!

Hi ,

Great question! There are many, many different combinations that can be given to break a migraine attack cycle. The trick is to find a doctor/ER/urgent care who will do it. Before I share that with you, I would encourage you to have a discussion with your doctor and have a protocol on standby (in written form you can bring to the ER with you) for the next time. Here are examples of two forms you can have your doctor help you with; https://migraine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/ER_Migraine_Form_Patient.pdf and https://migraine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/ER_Migraine_Form_Doctor.pdf.

Here are just a few of the medications that can be used in an IV infusion;
magnesium sulfate
dexamethasone (brand name Decadron)
valproate sodium (brand name Depacon)
droperidol (brand name Inapsine)
metochlopramide (brand name Reglan)
dihydroergotamine (brand name DHE45)
promethazine (brand name Phenergan)
lidocaine
propofol
tramadol (brand name Ultram)
levetiracetam (brand name Keppra)
ketamine.
Ok - on to your doctor!! By any chance is he/she a certified expert who only treats migraine and headache disease? Here's why I ask - general neurologists may be fine doctors but have a hard time being experts in one area because they treat so many conditions such a stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis and more. A true migraine/headache expert is certified in headache medicine, which is different than being certified in neurology. Let me share a bit of information on how these doctors are different and how to find one; https://migraine.com/getting-help/is-it-time-for-a-new-migraine-doctor/ and https://headaches.org/resources/healthcare-provider-finder/.

Let me know what you think!
Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Advocate/Moderator