A patient who has a history of asthma experiences three or four migraine headaches each month. The patient uses sumatriptan [Imitrex] as an abortive medication and has developed medication overuse headaches. The patient asks the nurse what can be done to prevent migraines. The nurse will suggest that the patient discuss which preventive medication with the provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Topiramate can be used for migraine prophylaxis, and its benefits appear equal to those of the first-line beta blockers. Botulinum toxin can be used for migraine prophylaxis in patients who have 15 or more headaches a month. Meperidine may be used as abortive therapy but has addictive potential. Timolol is a beta blocker; this patient has asthma, and because beta blockers cause bronchoconstriction, these agents are not recommended.

A Patient Who Has a History of Asthma Experiences Three