Migraine Won't Stop? Why Nurtec Works & Medically Approved Steps That Can Help

If you're dealing with a migraine that just won't quit, you're not alone. Migraine is a neurological condition—not "just a bad headache." It can cause throbbing head pain, nausea, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, and even visual changes. For some people, attacks last hours. For others, they can stretch into days.

The good news: modern treatments like Nurtec (rimegepant) are changing how migraines are treated. And there are clear, medically approved steps you can take to regain control.

Let's walk through what's happening in your body, why Nurtec works, and what else you can do safely and effectively.

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Why Some Migraines Don't Stop

Migraines are driven by complex changes in the brain. One key player is a protein called CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide). During a migraine attack:

• CGRP levels rise
• Blood vessels in the brain dilate
• Pain signals become amplified
• Inflammation increases around sensitive nerves

If this process continues unchecked, the migraine can linger or return quickly after temporary relief.

Triggers can include:

• Stress or sudden stress letdown
• Hormonal shifts
• Sleep disruption
• Dehydration
• Skipped meals
• Weather changes
• Certain foods or alcohol

When migraines become frequent (15 or more headache days per month), doctors may diagnose chronic migraine, which requires a more structured treatment plan.

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Why Nurtec Works

Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is FDA-approved for:

• Acute treatment of migraine with or without aura
• Preventive treatment of episodic migraine

That dual action is part of what makes it unique.

How Nurtec Works

Unlike older migraine medications that constrict blood vessels, Nurtec blocks CGRP receptors. This helps:

• Reduce inflammation
• Stop pain signaling
• Calm the migraine process at its source

Because it does not constrict blood vessels, it may be an option for people who cannot take triptans due to cardiovascular concerns (though your doctor must determine what's safe for you).

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Benefits of Nurtec

Clinical studies have shown that Nurtec can:

• Relieve pain within 2 hours for many patients
• Reduce nausea and light sensitivity
• Provide relief that lasts up to 48 hours for some
• Decrease the number of monthly migraine days when taken preventively

It comes as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), which dissolves on the tongue—helpful if nausea makes swallowing pills difficult.

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When Nurtec May Be a Good Option

You might consider asking your doctor about Nurtec if:

• Your migraines don't respond well to triptans
• You experience side effects from older medications
• You have frequent migraine attacks
• You want a medication that can treat and prevent attacks
• You have certain cardiovascular risk factors

Common side effects are generally mild and may include nausea or stomach discomfort. Serious reactions are rare but possible, including allergic reactions.

Always discuss your full medical history and medication list with your healthcare provider before starting Nurtec.

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Medically Approved Steps to Stop a Migraine That Won't Go Away

If your migraine is lingering, here are evidence-based steps doctors recommend:

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1. Treat Early

Migraine medications work best when taken at the first sign of symptoms.

• Don't wait until pain becomes severe
• Use prescribed medications as directed
• Avoid overusing over-the-counter pain relievers (this can cause rebound headaches)

Using medications too frequently (more than 10–15 days per month depending on the medication) can cause medication-overuse headache, which makes migraines harder to control.

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2. Hydrate and Rest Strategically

While hydration won't cure a migraine, dehydration can worsen it.

• Sip water or an electrolyte drink
• Rest in a dark, quiet room
• Use a cool compress on your forehead or neck

Sleep can help reset the nervous system, but too much daytime sleep may disrupt nighttime rest.

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3. Consider Preventive Therapy

If you experience:

• 4 or more migraine days per month
• Severe disability from attacks
• Poor response to acute medications

Your doctor may recommend preventive treatment.

Options include:

• Nurtec (preventive dosing)
• CGRP monoclonal antibodies
• Beta blockers
• Anti-seizure medications
• Certain antidepressants
• Botox (for chronic migraine)

Preventive therapy aims to reduce frequency and severity—not just treat attacks.

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4. Identify and Manage Triggers

Keeping a migraine diary can help you spot patterns.

Track:

• Sleep
• Stress levels
• Food intake
• Menstrual cycle
• Weather changes

If you're unsure whether your symptoms align with migraine patterns, you can use a free AI-powered migraine symptom checker to assess your symptoms and get personalized insights before your next doctor's visit.

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5. Use Non-Drug Therapies

Evidence supports several non-medication approaches:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Biofeedback
• Regular aerobic exercise
• Consistent sleep schedule
• Magnesium supplementation (if recommended by a doctor)
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), under medical guidance

Lifestyle strategies are not "alternative medicine"—they are part of standard migraine management.

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When a Migraine Is Something More Serious

Most migraines are not life-threatening. However, certain symptoms require immediate medical care.

Seek emergency attention if you experience:

• A sudden, severe "worst headache of your life"
• Headache with fever and stiff neck
• Confusion or fainting
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Slurred speech
• Vision loss
• Headache after a head injury

These could signal conditions such as stroke, meningitis, or bleeding in the brain.

Do not ignore these symptoms.

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If Your Migraine Truly Won't Stop

A migraine lasting more than 72 hours is called status migrainosus. This often requires medical treatment such as:

• IV fluids
• Anti-nausea medications
• Steroids
• IV migraine medications

If your attack is ongoing and not responding to home treatment, it's appropriate to seek urgent care.

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The Bottom Line on Nurtec and Stubborn Migraines

Migraines are a neurological disorder—not a sign of weakness, stress intolerance, or poor pain tolerance.

Nurtec works by targeting CGRP, a key driver of migraine pain. It can treat attacks and, when prescribed appropriately, help prevent future ones. For many people, this represents a significant advancement over older therapies.

But medication is just one piece of the puzzle.

The most effective migraine plans combine:

• Early acute treatment
• Preventive therapy (if needed)
• Lifestyle adjustments
• Trigger management
• Ongoing medical guidance

If your migraine won't stop—or keeps coming back—don't try to push through it alone.

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Talk to a Doctor

While online information is helpful, it cannot replace medical evaluation. If your migraines are:

• Increasing in frequency
• Changing in pattern
• Not responding to treatment
• Interfering with work or daily life
• Accompanied by unusual neurological symptoms

You should speak to a doctor promptly.

And if you experience any symptoms that could be life-threatening, seek emergency care immediately.

Migraines are treatable. With the right combination of therapies—including options like Nurtec—many people achieve meaningful relief and regain control of their lives.