“The key with migraines is to take painkillers when you get the first symptoms and before the pain begins,” says Dr Andy Dowson, director of headache services at King’s College Hospital, London.
“If you tend to feel nauseous with migraines, then take special fast- acting painkillers (such as soluble ibuprofen lysine), because these will be effective even if you are sick later.”
“However, if you take a triptan (these are given on prescription and work on the brain chemistry), wait until the pain begins.”
“If you take this medication too soon, the effects will have worn off by the time the headache starts. And it’s also worth trying to eat or drink something when you first develop migraine symptoms.”
“The other day, I drank a couple of glasses of water when I felt my symptoms coming on and I managed to stop the attack in its tracks.”
