actually, caffeine is a vaso-constrictor, less powerful than the triptans (imitrex, zomig, etc). nicotine is also a vaso-constrictor. i noticed before i quit smoking that a cigarette would often improve a migraine, especially if i catch it early, as will excedrin, due to the caffeine. the pain is when the vessels dialate, which is why the vaso-constrictor helps. i use imitrex or excedrin, depending on the severity of the headache. they have gotten less frequent as i've aged (one of the few perks of aging!). at one point in my 20's i was unable to work due to the frequency. i've discovered several of my food allergies can trigger a migraine, as well. so avoidance of known triggers has also helped to lessen the frequency.Originally Posted by leesali
My doctor gave me something called Butalbital...which is actually caffeine based. From what I've been told caffeine opens all the arteries & lets the blood flow so the migraine will subside.