Understanding Migraine Drug Side Effects

Day 5 (2026)

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Key Questions

Why is it essential to understand the potential side effects of migraine treatments?
What medications are most frequently prescribed to treat migraine disease?
What are the common side effects of beta blockers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications?
What is the side effect profile for onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)?
What distinguishes the new CGRP inhibitor treatments (monoclonal antibodies and gepants) from older medications?
How do the side effects of CGRP inhibitor treatments compare with those of older medications?
If a patient experiences side effects from one drug in a particular class, might they respond better to a different drug in the same class?
Is it safe to combine different therapies like a gepant and a monoclonal antibody (mAb)?
When and how should a patient discuss side effects with a provider?

Interview Notes

Treatments Mentioned

Acetaminophen/paracetamol
Amitriptyline
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Atogepant (Aquipta, Qulipta)
Beta-blockers
Candesartan
CGRP monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
CGRP small-molecule receptor antagonists (gepants)
Duloxetine
Erenumab (Aimovig)
Lifestyle modifications
Naratriptan
Neuromodulation devices
Nortriptyline
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
Rimegepant (Nurtec ODT, Vydura)
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Sumatriptan
Supplements
Topiramate
Tricyclic antidepressants
Triptans
Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy)
Valproate/valproic acid
Venlafaxine
Zavegepant (Zavzpret)

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Disclaimer: The Migraine World Summit aims to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, free from bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan. Captions are auto-generated and may contain errors.

Expert

Teshamae Monteith, MD, FAHS, FAAN

Professor of Clinical Neurology
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine

Dr. Teshamae Monteith is a professor of clinical neurology at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She is the chief of the headache division and the program director for the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS) Headache Medicine fellowship program.

Dr. Monteith serves on the board of directors and as co-chair of the editorial board for the American Migraine Foundation. She is also on the editorial boards for the American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) Brain & Life magazine, as well as the journals Neurology and Cephalalgia. Dr. Monteith is a former board of trustees member for the International Headache Society and currently serves as the membership co-chair. She is a host for several podcasts, including Continuum Audio, Neurology Minute, and Neurology Podcast.