Migraines can be an absolutely debilitating condition for many people. Often, those who suffer from migraines will seek medication and aid from healthcare professionals, particularly in emergency rooms. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to incorrect treatment and the belief that opioids are the sought after “cure” for these severe headaches.
Migraine Misconceptions
There’s a story about a young woman who visited an emergency room twice within five days for two separate migraines. On the first visit, she received the typical so-called “magic shot” containing Phenergan and a considerable dose of Demerol, a powerful opioid. While she initially fell asleep for a few hours, she awoke to continue suffering for an additional 26 hours.
During her second visit, she had a different experience with a nurse practitioner (NP). The NP asked her if she wanted to “get better” and explained that most medical professionals in emergency rooms are quicker to provide the “magic shot” rather than offering a treatment that actually works for migraines.
To some surprise, Demerol (or meperidine) doesn’t actually cure migraines. In fact, a study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine found that meperidine is “less efficacious and associated with more side effects” than other treatments for acute migraines. The journal suggested that “clinicians should consider alternatives to meperidine when treating acute migraine with injectable agents.”
The Proper Migraine Treatment – A Cocktail of Supplements
The NP decided to prescribe the young woman a non-opioid treatment known as “the migraine cocktail,” which consists of Benadryl, Compazine, and Toradol, administered intravenously with a liter of fluids. This treatment takes approximately an hour to administer, which may be why emergency rooms are less likely to offer it. The young woman’s migraine vanished within half an hour after receiving this cocktail.
Preventing Migraines with Coenzyme Q10
It is important to consider alternatives to opioids and prescription drugs when dealing with migraines. One such example is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a popular supplement that has been found to potentially prevent migraines. CoQ10 is used by the body’s cells to generate energy and support several vital functions.
In a study from 2004, which was reported at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting, migraine patients who took 100mg of CoQ10 three times a day experienced fewer attacks within three months when compared to those who took a placebo. Participants that took CoQ10 also had fewer days with headaches and less nausea.
A Better Understanding of Migraines
The medical community must start looking more closely into the different treatments for migraines. Opioids and prescription drugs can be costly and have harmful side effects, and they may not always be the most effective method for dealing with such a painful condition.
If you or someone you know is suffering from migraines, it’s essential to be aware of the various treatment options available. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional about non-opioid treatments, such as the migraine cocktail, and supplements like CoQ10. By being informed and discussing these options with your doctor, you can ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your migraines.
