National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, a time to highlight a condition that affects over 1 billion people globally. Whether you live with chronic migraines or experience the occasional debilitating headache, it’s important to recognize that migraines are more than “just a headache.” They are neurological events that can severely disrupt daily life. Let’s explore what migraines are, what causes them, how to manage them, and how the RxLess™ Assurance Plan can help you save on treatments.

What Exactly Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a complex neurological disorder, not just a severe headache. Migraine attacks typically involve:

• Throbbing or pulsating head pain (often on one side)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Visual disturbances (aura)
• Dizziness or difficulty concentrating These symptoms can last 4 to 72 hours and are often disabling. Many people with migraines go undiagnosed or don’t receive appropriate treatment.

What Are Some Common Migraine Triggers?

Migraine triggers vary widely but often include:

• Emotional stress
• Sleep disruption
• Hormonal changes (e.g., menstrual cycles)
• Certain foods (e.g., chocolate, aged cheeses, red wine)
• Dehydration
• Environmental changes (weather shifts, strong smells, bright lights)

Keeping a migraine diary can help identify personal patterns and improve prevention strategies.

What Medications Are Used for Migraines?

Migraine medications typically fall into two categories: acute treatments, which are used during a migraine attack to relieve symptoms, and preventive treatments, which are taken regularly to reduce how often and how severely migraines occur.

Acute Treatments These are used at the onset of a migraine to ease pain and other symptoms:

• Pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve) can be effective for mild to moderate migraines. These are available over-the-counter but should be used sparingly to avoid medication overuse headaches.

• Triptans such as sumatriptan (Imitrex) or rizatriptan (Maxalt) are prescription medications that work by targeting serotonin receptors to stop a migraine in progress. They work best when taken at the first sign of symptoms. ?CGRP antagonists like rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) and ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) are a newer class of medication that block a protein involved in migraine attacks. They can be taken orally and often have fewer side effects than older treatments.

Preventive Treatments These are taken regularly to help reduce the number of migraines you get and make them less severe:

• Beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal) are commonly used to lower blood pressure but can also prevent migraines.
• Antidepressants, particularly amitriptyline (Elavil), are sometimes prescribed at low doses for migraine prevention, even in people without depression.
• Anti-seizure medications like topiramate (Topamax) can help stabilize nerve activity in the brain and reduce migraine frequency.
• Botox injections are FDA-approved for chronic migraines (defined as 15 or more headache days per month) and are typically given every 12 weeks.
• CGRP inhibitors like erenumab (Aimovig), galcanezumab (Emgality), and fremanezumab (Ajovy) are long-acting injectable medications designed specifically to prevent migraines. These are administered monthly or quarterly.

What About Medication Overuse Headache (MOH)?

Using acute migraine medication too often (more than 10–15 days per month) can lead to medication overuse headache, where the treatment itself triggers more headaches. If you're relying on acute medications frequently, consult your provider about preventive options.

Can Children and Teens Get Migraines?

Yes—up to 10% of children and teens experience migraines. Symptoms may differ slightly (e.g., abdominal pain, shorter attacks), and pediatric-friendly treatments are available. If a child’s headaches are interfering with school or daily life, they should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Can Lifestyle Changes Help?

Yes. These simple but powerful changes can reduce migraine frequency and improve quality of life:

• Sleep: Stick to a regular sleep schedule
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water
• Nutrition: Eat regularly and avoid known trigger foods
• Exercise: Regular aerobic activity can reduce stress and prevent attacks
• Stress management: Try yoga, meditation, or therapy

When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?

You should seek professional help if:

• Your migraines are becoming more frequent or intense
• Over-the-counter treatments no longer work
• You experience aura, vision changes, or numbness
• You need acute treatment more than twice a week
• Your migraines interfere with work, school, or daily activities

How Can the RxLess™ Assurance Plan Help You Save?

The RxLess™ Assurance Plan helps you access lower prices on both prescription and OTC migraine medications—no insurance needed. You can compare prices across pharmacies and use your personal savings code to get the lowest available price.

Real-World Savings Examples:

*Prices may vary by pharmacy and location.

Take control of migraines without overpaying. Download the free RxLess™ app and join the RxLess™ Assurance Plan to start saving on migraine medications today.