Headache Pharmacology

Headache Pharmacology is a comprehensive evidence-based clinical reference for the pharmacological management of headache disorders in adults. Built for neurologists, general practitioners, emergency physicians and specialist nurses.

DRUG PROFILES
28 drugs across 6 classes with full clinical detail — mechanism of action, dosing, contraindications, side effects and place in therapy. Includes the latest CGRP monoclonal antibodies and gepants.

Drug classes covered:
- Triptans: sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan
- Gepants: ubrogepant, rimegepant, atogepant
- Ditans: lasmiditan
- Ergots: ergotamine, dihydroergotamine
- Preventive agents: topiramate, valproate, amitriptyline, beta-blockers, candesartan
- CGRP monoclonal antibodies: erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, eptinezumab

ACUTE MIGRAINE TREATMENT
- Step-by-step treatment ladder — first, second and rescue therapy
- Triptans vs gepants vs ditans — when to use each
- Combination therapy guidance
- Medication overuse headache (MOH) recognition and management
- Emergency department protocols

PREVENTIVE THERAPY
- When to start prevention — criteria and patient selection
- First-line: beta-blockers, topiramate, amitriptyline, valproate
- Second-line: candesartan, gabapentin, memantine
- CGRP monoclonal antibodies — erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab
- Monitoring and treatment response assessment
- NICE TA guidance for all CGRP therapies

CLUSTER HEADACHE
- Acute treatment: 100% oxygen and sumatriptan injection
- Transitional prevention: steroids, greater occipital nerve block
- Long-term prevention: verapamil, lithium, topiramate
- Episodic vs chronic cluster headache management

SPECIAL SITUATIONS
- Migraine in pregnancy — safe and unsafe drugs
- Breastfeeding — drug safety guidan