Abstract

Migraine as a chronic, intermittent disabling condition affects physical, mental, and social quality of life. Among various medications being used in acute treatment of migraine, analgesics, nonsteroidal antiinflam- matory drugs(NSAIDs), antiemetics, and opioids constitute nonspecific treatment. Analgesics and NSAIDs are the mainstay of the self-administered treatment options in many migraineurs, and thus have a huge influence on their migraine status, even make them suffer from medication-overuse headache. Antiemetics, especially metoclopramide exert ancillary effect for rapid absorption of other anti-migraine drugs as well as anti-migraine effect by itself. Opioids can be used as a rescue medicine only in special circumstances because of its addictive feature. These nonspecific acute anti-migraine medications should be used accor- ding to practice guideline so that could enhance patients' quality of life. Korean Journal of Headache 6(1):21-25, 2005