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!
Safe Exercise for People with Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) If you’ve been diagnosed with hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) , you know that movement can feel tricky. Joints may slip, ache, or feel unstable, and sometimes exercise feels intimidating and overwhelming. However, the right kinds of exercise will help you get stronger, protect your joints, and improve your daily comfort. The goal with hEDS is not to push your body to extremes—it’s to gradually, over time, build gentle strength, stability, and confidence. Why Exercise Matters with hEDS The right types of movement can: Strengthen muscles that support loose joints. Improve balance and body awareness (reducing injury risk). Ease pain and fatigue. Boost mood and energy. Nurse Pro Tip : Think “support” not “stretch.” The goal isn’t more flexibility—you already have plenty—but stability and protection. ✅ Safe & Helpful Exercises When choosing activities, think slow, steady, and supportive. 💧 Water-Based Exercise Swimming, water walking, or gentle aquatic therapy take pressure off your joints while still giving you resistance to build strength. 🧘 Modified Pilates or Yoga Focus on core strength and stability. Skip deep stretches—keep movements small, controlled, and steady. 🏋️ Light Strength Training Resistance bands or light weights help build protective muscle. Stick with lighter loads, higher reps, and slow, intentional movements. 🚶 Walking or Cycling Flat-ground walking and recumbent cycling are gentle, low-impact ways to support cardiovascular health. 🤲 Physical Therapy Exercises A physical therapist who understands hEDS can teach you safe, customized strengthening routines to stabilize your most vulnerable joints. ( Email me @ yourinspiredvitality@gmail.com for personalized recommendations or referrals to Utah PTs familiar with hEDs). ❌ Exercises to Avoid Some activities can increase the risk of injury or worsen symptoms. It’s best to avoid: High-impact sports (running, jumping, contact sports). Heavy weightlifting (places too much strain on joints). Deep stretching or “contortion-like” yoga. Fast-paced HIIT workouts with explosive movements. Gymnastics or flexibility-focused training. Nurse Pro Tip : If the focus of a workout is “how far you can stretch” or “how heavy you can lift,” it’s probably not the right fit for hEDS. 💡 Tips for Moving Safely Listen to your body—stop if something feels wrong. Prioritize stability, not flexibility. Work with professionals who understand hypermobility. Progress slowly—small, consistent steps are safest. ✨ The Bottom Line -- Living with hEDS doesn’t mean avoiding exercise. It means finding the right kind of movement that supports your body instead of stressing it. With gentle, strengthening exercises, you can feel stronger, reduce pain, and enjoy a more active, confident life.
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