Migraine relief works best when you act early. Treat an attack at the first sign, rest somewhere dark and quiet, and learn your triggers so you have fewer attacks. There are pharmacy options, some stronger medicines that need a pharmacist’s advice, and prescription options from your GP.
This step-by-step guide is part of our common illnesses A–Z. It explains what a migraine is, how to manage an attack, and when a headache is an emergency.
What is a migraine?
A migraine is more than a bad headache. Healthdirect describes it as a common condition that affects the brain, often running in families and more common in women. As well as head pain, it can bring nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can last hours or longer and can stop you in your tracks.
What is a migraine aura?
According to healthdirect, about 1 in 3 people with migraine have an aura. It’s a warning phase of visual or sensory changes that can start up to an hour before the headache. You might see flashing lights, zigzag lines or blind spots, feel tingling, or have trouble finding words.
Migraine symptoms: the phases of an attack
Not everyone goes through every phase, but knowing them can help you act sooner.
| Phase | What you might notice |
|---|---|
| Early warning (premonitory) | Mood changes, brain fog, nausea, aches and stiffness, or needing to wee more often |
| Aura (some people) | Visual or sensory changes, such as flashing lights or tingling |
| Headache | Often throbbing and one-sided, with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound |
| Resolution and afterwards (postdrome) | Tiredness or “brain fog” that can linger after the pain eases |
Common migraine triggers
Triggers vary a lot from person to person. Healthdirect lists:
- missing meals;
- certain foods and drinks, such as cheese, chocolate, citrus and alcohol;
- too little or too much sleep, or a change in routine;
- changes in the weather;
- hormonal changes, including around your period;
- screen time;
- stress.
Many Gold Coast locals notice attacks around weather changes, such as the build-up before a summer storm. Bright glare off the water and long hot days without enough to drink don’t help either. Good sunnies, a hat and a water bottle are worth packing for a beach day if you’re migraine-prone.
A migraine diary can help you spot your own patterns. Note the date, time, what you ate and drank, how you slept, your stress levels, where you are in your cycle, and what helped.
Step-by-step: what to do when a migraine starts
Step 1: Act early
Healthdirect notes that the earlier you take pain relief in an attack, the more likely it is to work. Don’t wait to see if it gets worse. Keep your usual option in your bag.
Step 2: Take the medicine that suits you
Options in Australia fall into a few groups:
- Everyday pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, which can help milder attacks.
- Anti-nausea medicines, which can ease nausea and vomiting. Some are available from the pharmacy, and others need a prescription.
- Migraine-specific medicines. Some are available from a pharmacist after a consultation, and others need a prescription. They aren’t suitable for everyone, for example people with some heart or circulation conditions or a previous stroke.
Ask your pharmacist which suits you, and follow the label or your pharmacist’s advice.
Step 3: Rest in a dark, quiet space
Lie down if you can, close the curtains and turn off screens. Sleep often helps.
Step 4: Try a cold or warm pack
A cold pack on your forehead or a warm pack on your neck can be soothing. Gentle stretching may help too.
Step 5: Sip fluids
Small sips of water can help, especially if you’ve been vomiting or out in the heat.
Watch out for medication-overuse headache
Using migraine treatments too often can lead to more frequent headaches. This is known as medication-overuse headache. Migraine Australia says the risk rises if you use simple pain relievers on 15 or more days a month, or migraine-specific medicines or combination pain relievers on 10 or more days a month. Migraine Australia also notes that more than one in ten people with migraine have medication-overuse headache.
If you’re treating attacks that often, talk to your GP. Healthdirect notes that preventive medicines are available for people who have frequent attacks, and these are prescribed by a doctor.
How our pharmacists can help
- Talk through your symptoms and whether they sound like migraine
- Check which options are safe with your other medicines and health conditions
- Offer a consultation for pharmacist-only migraine options, where suitable
- Help you spot patterns of overuse
- Tell you when it’s time to see a GP
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or buying for a child or teenager, please let us know, as the options are different.
When to see a GP
See your GP if:
- your migraines are frequent or getting worse;
- pharmacy options aren’t working;
- you’re using pain relief or migraine medicines often;
- migraines are affecting your work, study or family life;
- you’re not sure if your headaches are migraines;
- your headache pattern has changed.
A GP can confirm the diagnosis, prescribe other treatments and talk to you about prevention. Our in-store Help Medical GPs make it easy to see a doctor while you’re at Pacific Fair.
Emergency red flags: call 000
Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if you have:
- a sudden, severe headache that comes on like a thunderclap;
- a headache with fever, a stiff neck or confusion;
- changes in your vision;
- a seizure.
Don’t assume it’s “just another migraine” if it feels different from your usual attacks.
Talk to our pharmacists at Pacific Fair
Whether you’ve had migraines for years or you’re having your first, our pharmacists can help you find options that suit you and know when to see a GP. Pop in, with no appointment needed. Find us on the ground floor of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach, open 7 days (until 9pm Thursdays), or call (07) 5592 2099.
Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey (BPharmSci, MPharm), Pharmacist.
Sources
- healthdirect – Migraine
- healthdirect – Headaches
- Migraine Australia – Medication overuse headache
- Migraine Australia – Triptans and other abortives
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.