A study by Global Outcomes Research, Merck and Co., Inc., looked at reasons why patients do not treat their migraine pain as early as they may want to treat it.
Adult patients were asked questions regarding time of treatment, whether the attack was treated when desired, and satisfaction with pain relief. Of the 2001 patients surveyed, 840 reported they would have preferred treating the migraine pain earlier. The most common reason for waiting was a desire to save medication for a more severe migraine. Health plan quantity limit, not having medication available at the time of the migraine pain, and inability to swallow because of nausea were also reported.
The study concluded that overcoming these reasons could help migraine patients find relief sooner. HEADACHE The Journal of Head and Face Pain Volume 48