It has been hailed as a “life-changing” drug that could prove a boon for tens of thousands of Britons suffering from migraines.
Atogepant can reduce the number of paralyzing seizures suffered by sufferers by half, according to rigorous trials.
The once-daily pill works by blocking the receptor for a protein found in the sensory nerves of the head and neck, known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). This protein causes blood vessels to dilate, which can cause inflammation and migraine.
It will be an option for people who suffer at least four days of migraine per month and who have tried at least three other treatments without success.
But doctors say there are other simple steps you can take (in combination with medications) to prevent the agony of a migraine.
And there are also ways to stop them in their tracks…
Migraines can last between two hours and three days, says the NHS. Patients sometimes have warning symptoms such as feeling tired, craving certain foods, mood swings, and a stiff neck before the migraine hits.
How to treat a migraine
Migraines usually feel like a very bad headache and cause stabbing pain on only one side of the head, the NHS says.
Sufferers sometimes experience warning symptoms such as feeling tired, craving certain foods, mood swings, or a stiff neck before a migraine hits.
Others have vision problems, feel dizzy, or even have difficulty speaking.
Attacks can last between two hours and three days, the NHS says.
A new once-daily pill called Atogepant could cut the number of migraines people get by half.
“Unfortunately there is no cure for migraines, but I work with patients to try to manage their symptoms, such as reducing sensitivity to light when sleeping or lying in a dark room,” Dr Hana Patel, GP at the UK, told MailOnline. NHS based in London.
This is because bright sounds and lights can often make migraines worse.
“There is usually a process of working with your GP to find the best combination to manage your symptoms and each migraine sufferer has different symptoms,” Dr Patel said.
Taking painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can help reduce pain in some cases, says the NHS.
Other patients include triptans, medications that work like serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical that helps calm overactive painful nerves.
Some people also take medications in combination with anti-nausea medications that prevent one from feeling unwell or sick, an unpleasant side effect of migraines.
Dr Patel said: “People can manage the symptoms of migraine pain using over-the-counter and anti-inflammatory medications.”
‘They tend to be more effective if taken at the first signs of a migraine attack.
‘This gives them time to be absorbed into the bloodstream and relieve symptoms.
“Other treatments are, for example, anti-nausea medications, which can be effective even if nausea and vomiting are not experienced.”
Your primary care doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes to help manage painful migraines, such as getting enough sleep, eating at regular times, and drinking less caffeine.
Taking painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can help reduce pain in some cases, says the NHS
Lifestyle changes to prevent a migraine
Knowing what triggers migraines and making lifestyle changes to mitigate them can help stop migraines in their tracks.
“As with anything, it’s helpful to be aware of what triggers your symptoms, and even keep a migraine or headache diary, to try to find your triggers and avoid or reduce them to prevent a migraine,” Dr. Patel said. .
Some foods can trigger migraines, according to the NHS.
Therefore, it might be helpful to take note of what foods or drinks potentially trigger them.
It also helps to stay hydrated and limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you drink, says the NHS.
He adds that maintaining a healthy weight, eating at regular times, exercising and sleeping regularly, as well as managing stress, are factors that can reduce migraines.
Dr Patel echoes NHS advice and said: “Other general advice is to try to get regular exercise, sleep and eat regular, well-balanced meals.”
“Try to make sure you stay well hydrated and limit your caffeine and alcohol intake.”