Drugs pose a dangerous risk for addiction in the treatment of migraine headaches.
Medications are commonly prescribed in the treatment for migraine headaches relief,
but your doctor does have a choice in which drugs he chooses to prescribe.
You may trust the ability of your doctor, but you must also be willing to ask questions. He's the not the person who will be dealing with the consequences.
Migraine headache treatments vary widely. The drugs prescribed by a neurologist are often much different than the medications prescribed by a general practitioner.
The danger lies in being a prescribed a potentially addictive medication. Some barbiturates and opioids prescribed by doctors are not approved in the U.S.
Migraine Headaches Relief - The Food and Drug Administration
Many people put so much faith in their doctors that they don't even realize they are taking addictive drugs. Opioids are typically prescribed if the migraine does not respond to a first round of treatment.
A study found that general practitioners are more likely to prescribe addictive drugs than neurologists. And these drugs can be beneficial for short-term relief for migraines. But, if used for prolonged periods of time, the risk for addiction and/or abuse is there.
Hospitalization may even be required for detoxification.
Migraine Headaches Relief - Avoiding Addictive Drugs
If you want to avoid taking addictive drugs for the your migraine headache treatment, you need to make sure you are very involved in your treatment.
Here are some suggestions.
When first diagnosed as suffering from migraines, inform your doctor that you want a form of treatment that does not include prescription drugs.
Try to identify you personal triggers by keeping a migraine journal. Learning how to manage your headaches on your own may greatly help in avoiding the need for prescription medications entirely.
Consider alternative treatments for migraine headaches relief, including relaxation training, biofeedback, and acupuncture. If these methods don't work, ask your physician for a drug prescription that is the least powerful for a migraine's first phase of treatment.
Ask specific questions about any drug the doctor is thinking about prescribing. Find out if the drug is an opioid or barbiturate. Ask about the potential for addiction and whether it is a USFDA approved migraine treatment. If the drug is question is an addictive medication, ask for a different medication. Suggest a triptan, instead.
If a doctor suggests an addictive drug in your treatment, you should seek the advice of another doctor. A neurologist may be your best bet.
Take an active role in your treatment for migraine headaches relief, and just make sure you are not taking drugs you should not be taking.
