Doctors give migraineurs medications to reduce the frequency or duration of their headaches, and some to stop the pain when they feel a headache coming on. Sometimes, though, the pain is resistant and heavy-duty pain medications are needed.

Non-prescription NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, help a lot of people relieve their migraine pain, but when they are not enough doctors may offer a prescription version. Toradol (ketorolac) is a prescription-strength NSAID doctors can dispense to migraineurs with moderate to severe pain that is resistant to other pain relievers. It is available in a tablet form, but is usually dispensed in emergency rooms and injected for migraines

Toradol has a host of potentially dangerous side effects patients need to be aware of and should be used with caution. It can cause nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, itching, diarrhea, fluid retention, and perforation or bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract.

It should not be taken by migraineurs who are allergic to other NSAIDs or aspirin. Patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, or a history of kidney and liver problems should avoid ketorolac. It should be avoided by pregnant women and the elderly as well.

Patients who have been unsuccessfully trying to treat their migraine at home with over the counter NSAIDs need to let their doctor or emergency room staff know. Ketorolac should not be administered until other NSAIDs have cleared the body to avoid potential overdose-related complications.

Due to potentially dangerous drug interactions, patients need to let their doctors about all their medications, not just ones taken for migraines. Toradol should not be given to anyone currently taking blood thinners, tranquilizers, diuretics, lithium, and particular types of antidepressants, methotrexate, or ACE inhibitors for blood pressure.

Toradol may offer relief when no relief from the pain can be found, but should be taken with extreme caution.