Exam 2 Pharmacotherapy Headache Dr. Brown (resident) Flashcards
Which headache type has a throbbing presentation?
Migraines
Which type of headache causes a stabbing and burning pain around the eye?
Cluster headace
Which type of headache causes a squeezing or tight sensation around the head?
Tension-type headache
(most common)
Comorbidities that may present with headache
-depression/anxiety
-epilepsy
-stroke
-TBI (traumatic brain injury)
-sleep apnea
-obesity, tobacco use
Modifiable risk factors
Stress
-depression
-dietray triggers
-hormone levels (due to menstrual cycle -> may be treated with OC preventing periods)
-poor sleep habits
Medication that can cause headache
Vasodilation causing drugs -> affecting cranial blood vessels -> causing headache
-PDE-5 inhibitor
-Nitrates
-hydralazine (peripheral vasodialtor)
When is migraine considered episodic?
1-14 days per month
> 15 or more days per month -> chronic
How is migraine with aura classified?
-1+ fully reversible aura symptoms lasting +4 minutes or 2+ symptoms occurring in sequence
-the symptoms should not last more than 60 minutes
-headache onset is within 60 minutes of aura
How is migraine without aura classified?
-<2 characteristics:
Pain: unilateral/pulsating
Intensity: moderate-severe
-<1 symptom:
N/V
Photo or Sonophobia
What are the prodrome symptoms that occur before the migraine?
increased parasympathetic tone
-> lacrimation (flow of tears), nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, irritability, food cravings, mood swings, sensory sensitivity
onset up to 3 days before migraine
Treatment for acute migraine
-Mild-moderate: analgesics (tylenol, ibuprofen) and supportive care
-Moderate-severe: CGRP receptor antagonists, triptans, ditans, ergotamine
When is it appropriate to treat migraine prophylacticly?
-no guidelines that direct that
-use it if the patient has significant disability despite acute therapy
-epidsodes >2 per week (risk for medication overuse headache)
-ineffective rescue therapies or intolerable ADEs
-risk of neurologic damage with uncommon migraine types
What are the recommended drug therapies for ACUTE migraine based on the guidelines?
A level evidence
-Triptans: all available options and doses
for milder migraines:
-APAP (Tylenol) 1000mg (max 4g/d and not longer than 15 days due to overuse)
-Aspirin 500-1000mg - not preferred bc Salicylate
-ibuprofen 200-400mg
naproxen 500mg, diclofenac 50-100mg
-Dihydroergotamine 2mg nasal spray or 1mg inhaler
-Butorphanol 1mg nasal spray
What are the recommended drug therapies for PREVENTION of EPISODIC migraine based on the guidelines?
A level evidence
-valproic acid 500-1000mg/d
-Topiramate 50-200mg/day
-Propranolol 80-160mg/day
-Metoprolol 200mg/day
-Frovatriptan 2.5mg once or twice daily (for menstrual migraine) -> has the slowest onset and longest half-life
-evaluate patient comorbidites and side effects of drug
Which migraine prevention drug may be used in a bipolar patient?
Valproic acid
Which migraine prevention drug may be used in a patient who suffers from seizures?
Topiramate
Which migraine prevention drug may be used in a patient with HTN or heart failure?
ß-blockers (propranolol)
Which migraine prevention drug may be used in a patient with menstrual migraine?
Frovatriptan
Naratriptan
Zolmitriptan (nasal spray for patients with N/V)
or oral contraceptives
How should Frovatriptan be taken?
once or twice daily for 6 days
start 2 days prior to the period
2.5 mg/day
max 7.5 mg/day
What type of migraines conflict with the use of oral contraceptives?
avoid combined oral contraceptives (COC) in patients with migraine with aura
-> absolute contraindication
What are the recommended drug therapies for PREVENTION of EPISODIC migraine based on the guidelines?
B level evidence
-Amitriptyline
-Venlafaxine XR 150mg daily
-Nadolol
-Naratriptan
-Zolmitriptan
Which durg might be used for migraine prevention in patients with depression?
Amitriptyline (TCA)
Venlafaxine (SSRI)
What is the preferred first line therapy based on the guidelines?
CGRP antagonists
-> but still not recognized by insurance
->patients might try triptans first
Which drugs may be used for predictable migraine episodes?
Prophylaxis: make sure the patient is eligible -> >2 episodes per week, ineffective rescue therapy or intolerable ADE
-Erenumab (Aimovig)
-Rimegepant (Nurtec)
-> both CGRP receptor antagonist
maybe Frovatriptan in menstrual cycle -> CAUTIOS with CV risk bc it causes some vasoconstriction