Long distance travel is one of the many challenges a migraineur must face. Episodes can be unpredictable and if pain decides to rear its ugly head while you’re on the road, medication options are limited. Prescription strength abortive or rescue medications can include narcotic ingredients that make you tired, spaced out or loopy feeling. If taken while operating a motor vehicle, you not only put yourself at risk for serious harm, but everyone else around you as well. Furthermore, if you get stopped, you’re looking at a DWI charge that could cost you your license and thousands of dollars in fines and court fees. Taking a trans-continental trip with narcotic medications in tote can also present a number of hang-ups. You may not be permitted to bring your medication into another country — a frightful thought, especially in cases where your destination doesn’t have a pharmacy that will refill your prescription. Despite the many pit-falls, there are several things you can do to manage your migraines during travel. Here are 5 tips to help you achieve a successful trip:
1. Pack Over-The-Counter NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of migraine medications that can be purchased over-the-counter for short-term migraine relief. They work by reducing swelling and pain associated with a migraine attack. When taken correctly, side effects are mild or non-existent, however, overuse of NSAIDs does have consequences, including rebound headaches, ulcers and other issues involving the liver and stomach.
When traveling, be sure to pack an NSAID medication, like Aleve (naproxen), Asprin or Motrin and make sure it’s within reach. NSAIDs work best when taken at the onset of symptoms and are safe to take while driving.
Learn about possible dangers of using too much migraine medication: Understanding The Rebound Headache
2. Try MigreLief-NOW
Supplements like feverfew and ginger have long been recommended as a natural approach to migraine relief. A relatively new combination supplement called MigreLief-NOW combines the most effective migraine fighting supplements into one formula. The supplement is safe for use by adults and is available in a milder formula for children. MigreLief-NOW is comprised of:
- Puracol Feverfew
- Aflapin Boswellia Serrata
- Cerevasc Ginger
- Magnesium
The supplement has been proven in clinical trials to quickly help reduce migraine pain and is safe to take with any other migraine medications. With no serious side effects, MigreLief-NOW is also completely safe to take while operating a car.
3. Anti-Nausea Medication
Many migraineurs suffer from motion sickness and experts believe there may be a correlation between the two ailments. Talk to your doctor before traveling to determine if there is a safe anti-nausea medication you can take to combat motion sickness. Whether you are traveling by car or plane, the trip will be far more comfortable without the sudden onset of nausea, which can trigger a migraine attack.
4. Make Sure Prescriptions Are Up-To-Date
Before leaving for a trip, make sure you have enough of your prescription-strength medication to last the duration of your time away. If you are at risk for running out, speak with your physician about renewing the prescription before departure or arrange for a refill pick-up at your destination.
5. Pack Medication in Your Carry-On Luggage
If flying, heed this tip. Not only is your medication safest with you but it’s also important to have any medication that will help with a migraine attack within close range, as medications are most effective when taken during the first signs of a migraine attack. This tip could also apply to those driving. Keep NSAIDs, supplements and anti-nausea medication within reach.
When traveling with migraine medications, don’t forget to pack your common sense. If a particular drug makes you feel fuzzy or disconnected, it’s probably not a good idea to take while trying to safely get from one location to another. Read your prescription bottles if you are uncertain to see if there is a warning. If you are packing safe alternative migraine medications that you’ve never taken before, you may want to consider giving them a test run prior to traveling to make certain you don’t experience any side effects. The golden rule to remember is — never change your migraine medications without first consulting with a physician. They will ensure your alterations are safe and effective.
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