The narcotic butorphanol is available as a nasal spray under the brand name Stadol. Like all drugs in this category, its use must be limited and closely monitored to avoid the potential for overuse and dependency. Treating Other Symptoms For migraine sufferers, the associated symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound and any nausea or vomiting can often be just as disruptive to normal functioning as the headache itself. An effective headache treatment should address the associated symptoms as well as the head pain. There are several effective drugs for migraine-related nausea and vomiting.
Prochlorperazine is effective in relieving headache in addition to nausea.
Both promethazine and prochlorperazine are sedating, which may be a benefit if the migraine sufferer is home and able to rest. Metoclopramide is generally preferable for daytime or workplace use. It is most often used as an intravenous injection to treat the nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, but is available as a tablet. Communicating with Your Doctor Family practice physicians, internists, neurologists and gynecologists can all be skilled in treating headache. However, doctors who do not treat a large number of headache patients may not be aware of all the options for effective treatment, or how these options should be matched to the individual's preferences and needs.