Migraine treatment in Ireland: symptoms, treatment options and how to get help online

Migraine is a common neurological condition that causes severe head pain with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and reduced ability to function. The good news is that most people can feel significantly better with the right plan.

Migraine symptoms and triggers

Migraine can look different from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Throbbing or pulsating head pain, often on one side
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
• Worsening with routine activity such as walking or climbing stairs

Typical triggers and patterns to watch:

• Sleep changes, dehydration, missed meals, and caffeine swings
• Stress and the “let‑down” period after stress
• Hormonal shifts around periods
• Bright light, screens, strong smells, or weather changes

Treatment options for migraines

Most people use a combination of acute (attack) treatment and, if attacks are frequent or disabling, a preventive medicine. Your doctor will tailor choices to your health, medicines, and migraine pattern.

Acute (attack) treatment

• Simple pain relief: paracetamol or an NSAID (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) taken early in the attack can help. Avoid overuse (limit to 2–3 days per week on average).
• Triptans: prescription options like sumatriptan or rizatriptan are effective when taken at the start of the headache phase. They can be combined with an anti‑sickness tablet if nausea is prominent.
• Antiemetics: medicines such as metoclopramide or prochlorperazine can improve nausea and help pain medicines absorb.
• Fluids and dark, quiet rest: hydration and a calm environment support recovery.

Preventive treatment (to reduce attack frequency)

Discuss a preventive if you have around 4 or more migraine days per month, significant disability, or poor response to acute treatments. Options may include:

• Beta‑blockers: such as propranolol (not suitable for everyone).
• Topiramate: helpful for some, but requires counselling on side effects and pregnancy prevention where relevant.
• Amitriptyline: low‑dose at night can improve sleep and reduce frequency.
• Other options: candesartan or specialist‑initiated treatments. Your doctor will advise.

Give any preventive at least 6–8 weeks at a target dose before judging effect, and continue if helpful for several months before considering a slow taper.

How to get migraine treatment online

Step 1: choose an online doctor, such as Zava and complete a short medical questionnaire. Step 2: if treatment is appropriate, the doctor issues a prescription and sends it to your chosen pharmacy via Healthmail. If you choose Healthwave, your doctor can address it to healthwave.dundrum@healthmail.ie. Step 3: the pharmacy confirms availability and explains how to use the medicines. If you choose Healthwave, we pack discreetly and deliver typically within 1–2 working days, or arrange convenient collection.

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How to prevent a migraine

• Sleep: keep a steady bedtime and wake time, including weekends.
• Hydration and meals: drink water regularly and avoid skipping meals.
• Caffeine: keep intake consistent; avoid large swings or late evening doses.
• Exercise: moderate, regular activity can reduce frequency for many.
• Trigger diary: note sleep, stress, foods and periods to spot patterns.
• Medication overuse: limit acute painkillers to an average of 2–3 days per week to avoid rebound headaches.

Migraine aura

Aura is a reversible neurological symptom that can occur before or with the headache. It most often causes visual effects (sparkling lights, zig‑zags, blind spots) but can also lead to numbness, tingling, or speech changes. Aura usually develops over 5–20 minutes and lasts under an hour.

Who should avoid certain migraine medicines

• Triptans may not be suitable for people with certain heart or circulation problems; your doctor will check.
• Some preventives are not advised during pregnancy or if you are planning pregnancy; discuss family planning.
• Always give your doctor a full list of medicines, including over‑the‑counter and herbal products.

When to seek urgent medical care

• “Worst ever” sudden headache, new neurological weakness, high fever, stiff neck, new confusion, or head injury
• New or changing headaches if you are pregnant, over 50, or have a history of cancer or immunosuppression

Supports available in Ireland

• HSE: Migraine overview
• HSE: Amitriptyline for migraine

FAQs

How long does a migraine last?

Untreated attacks typically last 4 to 72 hours. Good acute treatment started early can shorten recovery.

Can I get triptans online in Ireland?

Yes. After a short assessment, a doctor can prescribe if suitable and send the prescription by Healthmail to your chosen pharmacy.

How many migraine days mean I need a preventer?

Consider a preventive if you have about 4 or more migraine days per month, significant impairment, or poor response to acute medicines.

Are triptans safe with SSRIs or SNRIs?

Your doctor will check interactions and suitability. Combination can be used cautiously under medical advice in many cases.

How do I get rid of a migraine fast?

Take your acute medicines at the first sign, add an anti‑sickness tablet if advised, hydrate, and rest in a dark, quiet room. Avoid medication overuse.

What does a migraine feel like?

Many describe one‑sided throbbing pain with sensitivity to light and sound and nausea. Even mild activity can worsen it.

What is a migraine aura?

Visual changes such as flashing lights or zig‑zags, or temporary numbness or speech changes, usually building over minutes and resolving within an hour.