Migraine Medications in Pregnancy

See Also

Management
Migraine Headache Abortive Medications

See Migraine Abortive Management
Sample protocol
1. Mild to Moderate Migraine
  1. See Nonpharmacologic Headache Treatment
  2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
2. Moderate to Severe Migraine
  1. Metoclopramide (Reglan) 10 mg orally
  2. Ibuprofen or Naproxen (not in first or third trimester)
  3. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  4. Consider Caffeine (limit to 300 mg/day during pregnancy)
3. Severe Migraine with Vomiting (outpatient)
  1. Compazine or Phenergan suppository PR
  2. Consider Prednisone
  3. Consider Opioid Analgesic (e.g. Vicodin)
4. Severe Migraine with Dehydration (admitted)
  1. Intravenous Fluid Replacement
  2. Prochloroperazine (Compazine) 10 mg IV
  3. Triptans
    1. Avoid in first trimester (fetal malformations and adverse pregnancy outcomes)
    2. Risk of uterine atony and peripartum Hemorrhage (but may be considered in debilitating Headache)
  4. Consider intravenous Morphine
  5. Consider intravenous Methylprednisolone
Safe Medications (with FDA Pregnancy Categories)
1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): B
2. Metoclopramide (Reglan): B
3. Prochloroperazine (Compazine): C
4. Promethazine (Phenergan): C
5. Ibuprofen or Naproxen: B (D in third trimester)
  1. Do not use in first or third trimester (PDA risk)
Opioid Analgesics (relatively safe in limited use)
1. Morphine: B
2. Hydrocodone (Vicodin): C
Triptans (e.g. Imitrex): C
1. Not recommended for routine use in pregnancy
2. Consult obstetrics before use
3. May be considered if Migraines are uncontrolled, debilitating
4. Adverse effects in pregnancy
  1. Avoid in first trimester (fetal malformations and adverse pregnancy outcomes)
  2. Risk of uterine atony and peripartum Hemorrhage (but may be considered in debilitating Headache)
  3. Nezvalova-Henriksen (2010) Headache 50(4): 563-75 [PubMed]

Management
Migraine Headache Prophylactic Medications

See Migraine Headache Prophylaxis
Indications
1. Intractable, frequent Migraine Headaches
2. Vomiting and Dehydration due to persistent Migraines
Most prophylactic agents are contraindicated
1. Avoid Tricyclic Antidepressants
2. Avoid anticonvulsants (e.g. Valproic Acid)
Prophylactic medications that might be considered
1. Use with obstetric and neurology Consultation
2. Antidepressants
  1. Fluoxetine (Prozac): B
3. Antihypertensives
  1. May be considered in early pregnancy
    1. Later pregnancy use may cause IUGR
  2. Agents (use with caution)
    1. Beta Blockers (category D late in pregnancy)
      1. Labetolol 150 mg PO twice daily
      2. Propranolol: C
      3. Metoprolol (Toprol): C
      4. Avoid Atenolol: Category D throughout pregnancy
    2. Calcium Channel Blockers
      1. Verapamil
    3. Antihypertensives contraindicated in pregnancy
      1. Avoid Lisinopril
      2. Avoid Candesartan
      3. Avoid Atenolol
4. Anticonvulsants
  1. Gabapentin: C
  2. Topiramate: C
  3. Avoid Valproic Acid
5. Other agents
  1. Avoid Vitamin B2

Management
Cluster Headache

See Cluster Headache
Uncommon in women and rare in pregnancy
Management options (safer regarding pregnancy)
1. Supplemental Oxygen (high flow)
2. Sumatriptan (intranasal and subcutaneous)
  1. Avoid in first trimester (fetal malformations and adverse pregnancy outcomes)
  2. Risk of uterine atony and peripartum Hemorrhage (but may be considered in debilitating Headache)
3. Verapamil
4. Prednisone or Prednisolone
5. Gabapentin (Neurontin)
References
1. Jurgens (2009) Cephalgia 29(4): 391-400 [PubMed]

References

Johnson (2004) Prim Care Clin Office Pract 31:417-28
Mayans (2018) Am Fam Physician 97(4): 243-51 [PubMed]
Modi (2006) Am Fam Physician 73(1):72-80 [PubMed]
Silberstein (2004) Neurol Clin 22:727-56 [PubMed]