 [ Symptoms ] what are prophylactic medications for migraine headaches [ Disease ] 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