Abortive medications work to ease the symptoms of a migraine attack. They're most effective when taken early, so be sure to take them as soon as you begin to experience symptoms. Typically, the first-line treatments for migraine are OTC medications or triptans.

What are abortive medications used for?

Abortive medications can be taken by self-injection, mouth, skin patch, or nasal spray. These forms of medication are especially useful for people who have nausea or vomiting related to their migraine, and they work quickly. Abortive treatments include the triptans and ditans, which specifically target serotonin.

What does abortive therapy mean?

Abortive therapy is a type of treatment for migraine and other common types of headaches. It's intended to stop headaches after they've begun. Also known as acute migraine therapy, the treatment targets symptoms like head pain, nausea, and vomiting.