Title: Acute Migraine Treatments: Highlighting Qulipta, Nurtec, Ubrelvy, Rizatriptan, and Sumatriptan
Evangeline Lindorf
Triptans Versus Gepants - Rescue Medications for Migraine Headaches
When a migraine hits, finding quick relief is crucial. This week, we're focusing on treatments you can take as soon as you feel a migraine coming on, and we will also briefly discuss Qulipta, which is a newer preventive migraine medication. We’ll highlight Qulipta, Nurtec, Ubrelvy, and also cover the well-known triptans, rizatriptan and sumatriptan. These medications are designed to help you feel better fast. Let's see how they work and what you should know about them.
Qulipta:
Qulipta is a new medication you take by mouth. It works by blocking a specific molecule that causes migraines. This can help make your migraine less severe and shorter. It helps reduce the frequency and duration of migraines someone has. It is taken daily. Some common side effects are feeling nauseous or tired. To prevent nausea I recommend taking it with food. I have samples available at my office for the right patient to try.
Nurtec:
Nurtec is another medication that you can take when you have a migraine. It dissolves on your tongue, which means it starts working quickly. It also blocks that pesky molecule responsible for migraines. Side effects might include nausea and a dry mouth. It has a minty aftertaste. Nurtec also has a long half life, meaning some people have more relief from the postdrome of the migraine the 2nd day after they take it than the first day. It is the only rescue medication to come out on the market that worked so well that later the FDA approved it as a preventive migraine medication. For migraine prevention people dissolve one tablet on their tongue every other day. Samples are available in my office.
Ubrelvy:
Ubrelvy is similar to Nurtec. You take it by mouth, and it works by blocking the same molecule to reduce your migraine pain and other symptoms. Some people might feel nauseous or sleepy after taking it, but it is generally well tolerated. You can take a second dose two hours after the first dose is taken if you still have the migraine. Samples available in my office.
Rizatriptan and Sumatriptan:
Rizatriptan and sumatriptan belong to a class of medications known as triptans, which are specifically designed to treat migraines. They work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and reducing inflammation, which helps relieve migraine symptoms. Triptans are not safe for use in people who have had strokes, heart attacks, high blood pressure, or a history of hemiplegic migraines.
Rizatriptan: Taken as a tablet or dissolvable wafer, rizatriptan can start working within 30 minutes. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.
Sumatriptan: Available as a tablet, nasal spray, or injection, sumatriptan provides flexible options depending on your preference and the severity of your migraine. Side effects can include flushing, feelings of warmth or tingling, and dizziness.
Managing Side Effects
While these medications can help a lot, they might also cause some side effects. I typically like to prescribe an anti-nausea medication to use if needed, and will also design migraine cocktails when appropriate. Here are a few tips to handle the common side effects:
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help if you're feeling nauseous or have a dry mouth.
Rest: Make sure to get enough rest, especially if the medication makes you feel tired.
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of any side effects and talk to me about them so I can adjust your treatment if needed.
Knowing your options for quick migraine relief and how to manage any side effects can help you take control of your migraines. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Stay tuned for more tips and information on managing migraines effectively!
Mold Illness vs. Allergies: What’s the Difference? When people think of mold, they often assume it just causes seasonal allergies—sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. But mold illness goes far beyond typical allergic reactions, affecting multiple systems in the body and often mimicking chronic or autoimmune conditions. Mold Allergies: The Basics Mold allergies are an immune response to mold spores. Symptoms may include: Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Itchy, watery eyes Cough or post-nasal drip Mild fatigue These symptoms usually flare up in humid environments, basements, or during seasonal changes. They’re often treated with antihistamines or allergy shots. Mold Illness: A Deeper Toxic Load Mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) , is triggered not by an allergic reaction, but by a toxic overload from mycotoxins —dangerous chemicals produced by certain molds . These toxins can accumulate in your body, especially if your detox pathways are compromised. Symptoms may include: Brain fog Chronic fatigue Digestive issues Hormonal imbalances Neurological symptoms like anxiety or depression Joint and muscle pain Key Differences Mold Allergy Mold Illness (CIRS) Involves histamine reaction Involves chronic inflammation Symptoms are seasonal or triggered by exposure Symptoms persist and worsen over time Usually treatable with OTC meds Requires detox, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment What If You Have Both? Some people suffer from both mold allergies and mold illness, making symptoms even more complex. If you’ve been treating allergies with little to no relief, it may be time to explore the possibility of deeper toxicity. If you have both mold allergies and mold illness, you will have to treat both. Remediate all mold out of your environment. Test for the presence of mold in your home and office environments. Remove high mold foods from your diet. What to Do Next If your symptoms go beyond allergy season and don’t improve with standard treatments, it’s time to consider mold testing and a functional approach to healing. At Your Inspired Vitality, we specialize in identifying and treating mold illness holistically. Detoxification strategies (sauna therapy, sweating, supplements, and binders), as well as dietary and environmental changes can help. Testing for the presence of specific mycotoxins is important to do as well and can be done through a simple urine test. Ready to feel better? Book a consultation today and let’s find out what’s really behind your symptoms.
Is Mold Making Me Sick? Common Symptoms & What to Watch For Mold exposure is more than just an allergy trigger—it can be a root cause of chronic illness that is often overlooked. If you’ve been experiencing persistent symptoms without a clear diagnosis, mold might be the missing piece of the puzzle. Let’s explore the most common signs of mold illness and how to determine if your environment is making you sick. Common Symptoms of Mold Illness Mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), can affect multiple systems in the body. Here are some of the most frequently reported symptoms: 1. Respiratory Issues– Chronic sinus congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, or a persistent cough can indicate mold exposure. 2. Brain Fog & Cognitive Issues – Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and confusion are common in mold toxicity. 3. Fatigue & Weakness – If you feel exhausted despite adequate rest, mold-related inflammation may be depleting your energy. 4. Skin Reactions – Unexplained rashes, itching, or increased sensitivity to chemicals could be linked to mold exposure. 5. Digestive Problems – Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms can be triggered by mold. 6. Muscle & Joint Pain – Widespread body aches, stiffness, and inflammation may indicate mold-induced toxicity. 7. Mood Changes – Anxiety, depression, or increased irritability can result from mold-related neuroinflammation. 8. Increased Sensitivity to Light, Sound, and Smells – Mold can affect the nervous system, making you more sensitive to stimuli. How to Determine If Mold is Making You Sick - Evaluate Your Environment – Have you noticed symptoms worsen at home, work, or school? Musty odors, water damage, or visible mold growth are red flags. - Track Your Symptoms – If symptoms improve when you leave a certain space for an extended period, mold may be a contributing factor. - Consider Testing – Mold illness isn’t always obvious on standard medical tests. Specialized urine mycotoxin tests and inflammatory marker panels can help confirm exposure. Next Steps: What You Can Do If you suspect mold is impacting your health, here’s what you can do: - Schedule a consultation for mold illness testing and a personalized treatment plan. - Take steps to assess and remediate mold in your environment. - Begin supporting your body’s detox pathways with proper nutrition, binders, and lifestyle changes. Ready to Get Answers? At Your Inspired Vitality, we specialize in identifying and treating mold-related illnesses. If you suspect mold exposure is affecting your health, contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your healing journey.