prophylactic medications are medications taken daily to reduce the frequency and duration of migraine headaches. they are not taken once a headache has begun. there are several classes of prophylactic medications: beta-blockers calcium channel blockers tricyclic antidepressants antiserotonin agents and anticonvulsants. medications with the longest history of use are propranolol (inderal) a beta-blocker and amitriptyline (elavil endep) an antidepressant. when choosing a prophylactic medication for a patient the doctor must take into account the drug side effects drug-drug interactions and coexisting conditions such as diabetes heart disease and high blood pressure.
what are prophylactic medications for migraine headaches?