narcotics and butalbital-containing medications sometimes are used to treat migraine headaches; however these medications are potentially addictive and are not used as initial treatment. they are sometimes used for individuals whose headaches fail to respond to over-the-counter medications but who are not candidates for triptans either due to pregnancy or the risk of heart attack and stroke. in patients with severe nausea a combination of a triptan and an antinausea medication for example prochlorperazine (compazine) or metoclopramide (reglan) may be used. when nausea is severe enough that oral medications are impractical intravenous medications such as dhe-45 (dihydroergotamine) prochlorperazine (compazine) and valproate (depacon) are useful.
what other medications are used for treating migraine headaches?