Image symbolizing navigating the complexity of migraine treatment to find relief

Migraine Treatment: What To Do When It's Not Working

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding Non-Response and Finding Continued Relief"

Migraine is a prevalent neurological condition that significantly impacts the quality of life for millions. Characterized by intense headaches and a range of other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, migraines can be debilitating and disruptive.

Preventive treatments play a crucial role in managing migraine, aiming to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of attacks. However, not every treatment works for everyone right away. Many people don't respond to the first treatment they try, leading to frustration and a need to explore further options. Sometimes, it takes time to determine if the treatment is truly ineffective or if it simply requires a little more time to work.

Recent research has shed light on how to approach migraine treatment when initial efforts don't yield the desired results. A study published in Headache in 2018, titled "Analysis of Initial Nonresponders to Galcanezumab in Patients With Episodic or Chronic Migraine," examined the outcomes of continued treatment with galcanezumab, a CGRP inhibitor, in patients who did not initially experience significant improvement. This article delves into the findings of this study, providing insights into the likelihood of response with continued treatment and offering guidance for patients and healthcare providers facing this challenge.

Understanding Initial Non-Response: Why Isn't My Treatment Working?

Image symbolizing navigating the complexity of migraine treatment to find relief

When a migraine treatment doesn't provide relief right away, it's natural to wonder why. Several factors can contribute to an initial non-response, including:

Not all patients experience immediate relief with preventive migraine treatments. Some may require additional time on medication to see noticeable improvements.

Individual Variability: Everyone's body responds differently to medication. Factors such as genetics, metabolism, and overall health can influence how effective a treatment will be.
Dosage and Timing: The dosage may need to be adjusted, or the timing of the medication may need to be optimized to align with an individual's migraine patterns.
Co-existing Conditions: Other health issues or medications can interfere with the effectiveness of migraine treatment.
Lifestyle Factors: Stress, diet, sleep patterns, and other lifestyle factors can impact migraine frequency and severity, potentially masking the benefits of treatment.

It's essential to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider to explore these potential factors and determine the best course of action.

Taking the Next Steps: A Collaborative Approach

Navigating migraine treatment can be a complex journey, but it doesn't have to be a solitary one. By working closely with your healthcare provider, exploring all available options, and staying informed about the latest research, you can increase your chances of finding effective relief and improving your quality of life. Remember that every individual's experience with migraine is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Patience, persistence, and a collaborative spirit are key to successfully managing this challenging condition.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

Why might a migraine treatment not work immediately?

Several factors can cause initial non-response to migraine treatments. Individual Variability is a key factor, as everyone's body responds differently due to genetics, metabolism, and overall health. Dosage and Timing might need adjustment to align with your specific migraine patterns. Co-existing conditions and other medications can also interfere. Lastly, lifestyle factors like stress, diet, and sleep patterns can impact migraine frequency and severity, potentially masking the benefits of treatment. Open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial to explore these factors and find the best treatment plan.

What is the role of preventive treatments in managing migraines?

Preventive treatments are designed to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks. They play a crucial role in managing the condition. However, it's important to understand that not every treatment works immediately, and patience is often required to assess its effectiveness. The goal is to lessen the impact of migraines on your daily life.

What should I do if my first migraine treatment isn't working?

If your initial migraine treatment doesn't provide relief, the first step is to discuss it with your healthcare provider. Explore potential factors contributing to the non-response, such as individual variability, dosage and timing, co-existing conditions, and lifestyle factors. Sometimes, the dosage may need adjustment or the timing of the medication might need to be optimized. Don't hesitate to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

How does the study on Galcanezumab inform migraine treatment strategies when the initial treatment fails?

The study published in *Headache* in 2018 examined the outcomes of continued treatment with galcanezumab, a CGRP inhibitor, in patients who didn't initially improve. The study findings provide insights into the likelihood of response with continued treatment. This research helps guide both patients and healthcare providers in their approach when initial efforts don't yield the desired results. It underscores the importance of patience, persistence, and a collaborative approach to effectively manage the condition.

Why is a collaborative approach important in managing migraines, especially when initial treatments fail?

A collaborative approach, involving close work with your healthcare provider, is key in managing migraines. This is especially true when initial treatments fail. By exploring all available options and staying informed about the latest research, you increase the likelihood of finding effective relief and improving your quality of life. Every individual's experience with migraine is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Patience, persistence, and open communication are essential for successful management of this challenging condition.