Compound preparations containing an analgesic and caffeine or codeine, which enhance the therapeutic effect of the former, are also available for sale by hand in pharmacies. Metamizole (considered a potent drug against other types of pain) has proved less effective in the treatment of migraine attacks.

It is worth remembering not to overuse analgesics, which can cause headaches for iatrogenic reasons (resulting from the analgesic treatment itself). It is therefore recommended to limit the intake of these pharmaceuticals to 15 days per month.

Drugs used in a migraine attack during the ineffectiveness of standard analgesics are triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan).

Antiemetics are also used in the treatment of migraine attacks. These are administered to the patient to control nausea and vomiting - so common in migraine.

The most commonly used antiemetic drug in migraine treatment is metoclopramide. Itopride, a prokinetic drug that acts in the upper gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach, duodenum), i.e. unlike metoclopramide, is also effective, being therapeutically active in the intestines.

It is important to remember that the most effective way to manage migraine attacks is to prevent them. To this end, the following are applicable:

• beta-blockers (propranolol, metoprolol, bisoprolol),
• flunarizine,
• antiepileptic drugs (valproic acid, topiramate),
• antidepressants (amitriptyline, venlafaxine)

Milder forms of migraine may be treated with magnesium preparations, B vitamins (especially riboflavin), herbal preparations based on common vertigo, ginkgo biloba, chamomile, ginger and flaxseed, and preparations of coenzyme Q10.