Beta-blockers for migraine headaches

Examples

How It Works

Beta-blockers relax blood vessels. Although the cause of migraines is not well understood, it may have something to do with the blood vessels in the brain.

Why It Is Used

Beta-blockers are preventive medications that are used to prevent migraine headaches in some people who get them regularly.

How Well It Works

Propranolol and timolol have been proven to work to prevent migraines. There is some evidence that atenolol, metoprolol, and nadolol may help prevent migraines, but the evidence is not as strong as it is for propranolol and timolol.¹

Side Effects

Side effects of beta-blockers include:

• Sleep problems and vivid dreams.
• Memory problems.
• Fatigue.
• Depression.
• Erection problems (impotence).

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Beta-blockers may require close monitoring if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, or high cholesterol. Some beta-blockers may make symptoms of lung disease and asthma worse and may affect cholesterol levels as well as how the body responds to low blood sugar.

These medications are also used to treat high blood pressure.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

1. Snow V, et al. (2002). Pharmacologic management of acute attacks of migraine and prevention of migraine headaches. Annals of Internal Medicine, 137(10): 840-849.

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