Beta Blockers for Migraines

Usually headaches subside within an hour or two but this is not the case with migraines. A migraine attack that causes moderate to severe pain does not leave its 'victim' so easily. Migraines can trouble the patient for days, thereby affecting their quality of life. The pounding pain associated with migraines might affect just one part of the head but is distracting enough to throw your daily schedule out of gear. When it comes to preventing episodes of migraine, beta blockers tops the list of drugs.

Beta Blockers for Migraines
Beta blockers are prescription drugs that obstruct the action of beta-adrenergic substances, which helps to reduce the burden on the heart as well as dilate the blood vessels. This effect of beta blockers is useful to improve heart problems as well relieve high blood pressure. Although, it is a cardiovascular drug, various studies have proved that beta blockers can decrease episodes of migraine substantially. They are regarded as prophylactic drugs, which means they work to prevent attacks of headaches in future. Hence, one can consider it as a preventive measure for migraines. Taking beta blockers is a kind of preparation made in advance to keep recurring migraine attacks at bay. A point to note that they help in migraine prevention, hence should not be taken when the actual headache starts.

Usually, Inderal is the first choice for migraine prevention. For many patients, the medication has been a boon in disguise. In case, Inderal doesn't provide the desired results, one can switch over to some other beta blocker after consulting a qualified doctor. Medication that comes in beta blockers list for migraines are given below:

• Propranolol (Inderal)
• Timolol (Blocadren)
• Nadolol (Corgard)
• Pindolol (Visken)
• Atenolol (Tenormin)
• Sotalol (Betapace AF)
• Metoprolol (Lopressor)
• Carteolol (Cartrol)
• Penbutolol (Levatol)
• Oxprenolol (Trasicor)

Mechanism of Action
Every medicine has its own mechanism of action that works to cure the ailment. Considering this fact, one might wonder what is a beta blocker's mode of action to provide relief from migraine attacks. Unfortunately, doctors are clueless about how beta blockers target the underlying cause of migraine headaches. Even if doctors are unaware of the medicine's mode of mechanism, it certainly does not discourage them from prescribing this drug due to its efficacy.

Side Effects
The production of melatonin hormone is very important to promote sleep. Surprisingly, in the presence of beta blockers, the amount of melatonin produced decreases, which can lead to increased episodes of sleep disturbances. Apart from experiencing periods of wakefulness, nightmare or hallucination like dreams is yet another side effect that occurs from using these medications. Other side effects linked with beta blocker usage are given below:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Lowered sex drive
• Bowel dysfunction that includes constipation or diarrhea
• Weight gain

People with respiratory problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma have to be extra cautious when it comes to taking beta blockers. Symptoms associated with these respiratory disorders such as trouble breathing may worsen with intake of beta blockers. Therefore, make the doctor aware of any pre-existing medical problems (if any). After knowing your medical history, the doctor will decide whether it would be appropriate to prescribe beta blockers. Also, beta blockers slow down the heart rate and so patients diagnosed with heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms have to reconsider the use of beta blockers.

On the whole, beta blockers, especially Inderal (propranolol) have been effective in mitigating migraines and hypertension. To many migraine patients, beta blockers have been of enormous help. Quite a few sufferers used other drugs with no success but found migraine relief from beta blockers. However, the dosage has to be adjusted accordingly to reduce the severity of their side effects. Be it decreasing the severity, frequency or duration of migraine, one can certainly expect good results from beta blockers. Taking adequate rest and incorporating relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga into your everyday lifestyle can also help to combat and prevent migraines successfully.