There are several different types of preventive migraine medicine. Some can only be prescribed by a specialist. The most common ones are listed below.
| Angiotensin II blockers & ACE inhibitors | • Includes candesartan, lisinopril.\n• Daily tablets by mouth. |
| Anticonvulsants/anti-epileptics | • Includes topiramate, sodium valproate.\n• Daily tablets or liquids by mouth.\n• Restrictions in pregnancy and women of child-bearing age. |
| Beta blockers | • Includes propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol, nadolol, timolol.\n• Daily tablets by mouth. |
| Botox injections | • Injections into muscles, every 3 months.\n• Approved for chronic migraine only (15 or more headache days a month). |
| CGRP monoclonal antibodies | • Includes erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab and eptinezumab.\n• Injections under the skin every month or infusion into a vein every 3 months. |
| Calcium channel blockers | • Includes flunarizine.\n• Daily tablets by mouth. |
| Gepants | • Includes atogepant, rimegepant.\n• Tablets by mouth, daily or every other day. |
| Greater occipital nerve block injections | • Injection around a nerve, every 3 months. |
| Serotonin antagonists | • Includes pizotifen.\n• Daily tablets by mouth. |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | • Includes amitriptyline, nortriptyline.\n• Daily tablets by mouth. |
You can read more about preventive medicines and different treatment options on our website at:
migrainetrust.org/preventive-medicines
migrainetrust.org/treatments
Last reviewed: January 2025
Next review due: January 2028.
Reviewed by: The Migraine Trust Information and Support Services Team and Reviewer Panel.
If you have feedback on our information, please get in touch at: feedback@migrainetrust.org
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