When a migraine attack strikes, finding the right acute treatment can make all the difference. In this episode of HeadWise, Lindsay Weitzel, PhD, talks with Dr. Robert Kaniecki, Director of the UPMC Headache Center, about today’s full range of acute migraine medications — what they are, how they work, and who they help most.

Together they review everything from over-the-counter pain relievers to advanced migraine-specific medications, including:

- OTC options like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen

- Prescription NSAIDs and higher-dose anti-inflammatories

- Triptans (Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, and more) — and how to choose among them

- Combination medications like Treximet and Symbravo

- Gepants for migraine relief (Nurtec, Ubrelvy, Zavzpret)

- New DHE delivery options — Trudhesa, Atzumi, and Brekiya

- Non-drug strategies that can support faster recovery

Whether you’re exploring new treatment options or revisiting what’s in your migraine “toolbox,” this conversation offers expert insight into how to stop migraine attacks effectively.