Opiate and opioid ("narcotic") therapy for acute migraine headache.

Opiates and opioids are naturally occurring or synthesized derivatives of opium commonly known as “narcotics.” Short-acting narcotics often are used for the acute treatment of migraine headache that is moderate to severe in intensity. Orally self-administered narcotics that are commonly prescribed include codeine (typically prescribed with acetaminophen; eg, Tylenol #3), hydrocodone (typically prescribed with acetaminophen; eg, Lortab, Vicodin), meperdine (eg, Demerol), and oxycodone (either alone – eg, Oxy IR – or with acetaminophen – eg, Percocet). More potent short-acting narcotics include hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and morphine.head_1728 1255..1256