Just to summarize the basic types of medicines in treating migraines --
1. Acute Treatment - used once a migraine has started; examples are Motrin and Alleve (OTC), Tylenol #3, Fiornal, Imitrex (all Rx)
2. Abortive Treatment - used before the migraine has started; most people have a 'premonition' that a headache is on its way; examples include Imitrex and Cafergot (both Rx)
3. Suppressive Treatment - used if someone has frequent migraines or predictable migraine (peri-menstrual, even travel-related); these medicines need to be taken ever day whether or not the person has a migraine; if the migraine is predictable, sometimes the meds can be taken starting a few days to a week before the expected migraine period.
Originally Posted by JerryFF
Also, she has found that a drug originally designed for epilepsy called Topamax can be taken as a preventive, Again, check with your doctor, as taking Topamax on a regular basis has served to significantly lessen the frequency and severity of migraines for many people.
Examples for #3 include most epilepsy medicines, including Topamax, Neurontin, Tegretol. As noted, they -- like all meds, whether OTC or Rx -- can affect people differently.
Remember that the list of side effects are based on relatively large # of people, but it does not mean that a specific person will get a specific side effect or even develop something not listed. And depending on your own medical history and other meds you are taking, your options change.
Conclusion: Discuss with your doctor, and try the med before you take it while travelling -- no use having any surprises while away from home!
(I play a physician in real life, but limit to very general recommendations on-line. As always, discuss with your own physician)