Migraine treatment is not yet an exact science. As we do not know precisely how migraines work, we cannot create medication that directly targets specific neural pathways to stop migraines altogether. We are, however, learning more and more everyday. We know certain classes of drugs are effective at treating specific aspects of migraine pathology, from the limited understanding we currently have in regards to the disease.
Beta blockers are a class of drug which have been shown to be effective at preventing migraine attacks. Take a look at our Beta blocker FAQ:
BETA BLOCKERS FOR MIGRAINES?
Beta blockers are a class of medication classically associated with heart disease. They are used to control blood pressure, as well as abnormal heart rhythms. They are also prescribed to those who have suffered heart attacks. So, Beta blockers are firmly in the heart disease section of the medicine cabinet.
Interestingly for migraineurs, Beta blocker medication is also effective in migraine management. To find out why, it would be helpful to give you a quick primer on one of the known causes of migraines, according to the latest research. The following description will be our best efforts at explaining a puzzle with many pieces missing. It will be enough, we hope, for you to get a sense of why beta blocker medication provides some migraine relief.
At the onset of a migraine, the blood vessels in your brain constrict. This constriction sends an erroneous message to your brain that more blood is now required. These same blood vessels then dilate, leading to a rush of blood into the brain. Beta blockers work by normalising the blood flow into your brain. Turbulent blood flow into the brain can lead to headaches. By normalising the flow, beta blockers aid in migraine management.
ARE BETA BLOCKERS FOR ME?
Preventative migraine medication is suggested to patients who experience more than one migraine per week, or over 6 migraines per month. Beta blockers pair effectively with acute migraine relief medication, such as triptans.
Beta blockers are considered first line preventative treatment for migraine management. There could, however, be reasons why you are not prescribed them. If the Doctor is worried about beta blockers interacting negatively with other medications, you may instead be prescribed anti-convulsant or anti-depressant medication.
WHICH BETA BLOCKERS ARE PRESCRIBED FOR MIGRAINES?
- Propranolol
- Metoprolol
- Timolol
WHEN DO I TAKE BETA BLOCKER MEDICATION?
Beta blockers should be taken as prescribed by your Doctor. They are well tolerated at any time of day, but should be taken before meals. Taking the medication on an empty stomach allows your body to absorb the medication more effectively.
Generally, it is recommended to take the medicine in the daytime. Your heart rate fluctuates naturally at different times of the day; it is lower at night than it is in the day. Ideally, it would be best to take beta blockers when your heart rate is high. You also want to make sure you take the beta blockers at the same time everyday.
HOW LONG SHOULD I TAKE BETA BLOCKERS TO NOTICE ANY POSITIVE EFFECTS?
Like other migraine medications, 3 months is the usual recommended time frame to judge the clinical efficacy of beta blockers. If beta blockers do not elicit any relief of your migraine symptoms in this time, you should discuss alternative medication with your Doctor. You should never rely on only one treatment to relieve your migraine symptoms, however. You should already be practising good lifestyle choices, such as: moderating your alcohol intake; sleeping on a regular schedule; eating healthily, on a consistent basis; exercising regularly and keeping a handle on your mental health (anxiety and stress especially). You should also be taking part in some of the clinically efficacious alternative therapies, such as Yoga, Massage, Biofeedback and Acupressure.
WHEN SHOULDN’T I TAKE BETA BLOCKERS?
As we have already stated, beta blockers are considered both safe and effective by healthcare professionals. There are times, however, when beta blockers are contraindicated. You will most likely not be prescribed beta blockers if:
- You are taking other blood pressure medication.
- You are taking certain anti-depressant medication which will negatively interact with beta blockers.
- You suffer with Asthma.
- You suffer with Chronic bronchitis, COPD, Emphysema, and are taking medication for it.
- You suffer with Diabetes and are taking medication for it.
- You suffer with Heart disease.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding
These are just general guidelines. The prescription of beta blockers for migraines is left to the discretion of your Doctor, who will have a better sense of your complete medical history. Speak to him/her about your concerns regarding your current migraine treatment.
WHAT SIDE EFFECTS CAN I GET FROM BETA BLOCKERS?
Like any other medication, beta blockers run the risk of side effects. Contact your Doctor for advice if you exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Cold hands and feet
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dry eyes / mouth / skin
- Drowsiness / Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Weakness
- Weight gain
You need to make sure you contact your Doctor immediately if you notice:
- Dizziness
- Allergic reactions
- Difficulty breathing
Final Thoughts
Beta blockers are an effective, safe, preventative migraine medication which should be seen as a potent weapon in any migraineur’s arsenal. As with any other medication or treatment, beta blockers are no silver bullet. When used in conjunction with acute migraine medication, healthy lifestyle choices as well as clinically effective alternative therapies, migraines will have no choice but to submit, as you take back control over your own health.