My doctor prescribed an antidepressant for my migraines. Is this an appropriate migraine treatment? I don't have depression.

Certain antidepressants can help reduce the frequency and severity of some types of headaches, including migraines. You don't have to be depressed to benefit from these drugs.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, are most effective and likely work by affecting the level of serotonin and other chemicals in your brain. There is little evidence that other classes of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are effective for migraine prevention.

Side effects of antidepressants vary from one medication to another and from person to person. Side effects may include weight gain, fatigue, constipation and dry mouth. Such side effects can make it difficult to stick with treatment.

If the medication doesn't seem to be working or is causing bothersome side effects, talk to your doctor. Don't stop taking a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.

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May 10, 2019 See more Expert Answers

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  2. Alleviating migraine pain
  3. Antidepressant withdrawal: Is there such a thing?
  4. Antidepressants and alcohol: What's the concern?
  5. Antidepressants and weight gain: What causes it?
  6. Antidepressants: Can they stop working?
  7. Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you
  8. Antidepressants: Side effects
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  10. Antiphospholipid syndrome
  11. Atypical antidepressants
  12. Biofeedback
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  14. Chiropractic adjustment
  15. Chronic daily headaches
  16. Clinical depression: What does that mean?
  17. CT scan
  18. Depression (major depressive disorder)
  19. Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?
  20. Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap
  21. Depression, anxiety and exercise
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  23. Diarrhea
  24. Headaches and hormones
  25. Headaches in children
  26. Headaches: Treatment depends on your diagnosis and symptoms
  27. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
  28. Male depression: Understanding the issues
  29. Managing Headaches
  30. MAOIs and diet: Is it necessary to restrict tyramine?
  31. Marijuana and depression
  32. Massage therapy
  33. Mayo Clinic Minute: Prevent migraines with magnetic stimulation
  34. Mayo Clinic Minute: Weathering migraines
  35. Migraine
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  37. Migraine FAQs
  38. Migraine medicines and antidepressants
  39. Migraines and gastrointestinal problems: Is there a link?
  40. Migraines and Vertigo
  41. Migraines: Are they triggered by weather changes?
  42. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  43. MRI
  44. MRI
  45. Natural remedies for depression: Are they effective?
  46. Nervous breakdown: What does it mean?
  47. Nighttime headaches: Relief
  48. Occipital nerve stimulation: Effective migraine treatment?
  49. Ocular migraine: When to seek help
  50. Pain and depression: Is there a link?
  51. Pain Management
  52. Relaxation techniques
  53. Seeing inside the heart with MRI
  54. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  55. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  56. Sleep tips
  57. Stool color: When to worry
  58. Symptom Checker
  59. Treatment-resistant depression
  60. Tricyclic antidepressants
  61. Undigested food in stool
  62. Vitamin B-12 and depression
  63. What is a migraine? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  64. What is depression? A Mayo Clinic expert explains.