Butalbital, butorphanol, and ergotamine are not adequate abortive or preventative treatments for patients who suffer with migraines. Butalbital and butorphanol are barbiturate containing medications which carry the risks of sedation, intoxication, dependence, abuse potential, severe withdrawal, and substance use disorders. The risk of medication overuse headache with these medications is also significant. These medications are only helpful in refractory cases of migraines as a last resort. There are more effective and less harmful first line agents available for prophylactic and abortive treatment of migraine headaches. For more information:
Tepper S & Spears RC. Acute treatment of migraine. Neurologic Clinics. 2009 May;27(2):417-27. PMID: 19289223.
Worthington I, et al. Canadian Headache Society Guideline: Acute Drug Therapy for Migraine Headache. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien Des Sciences Neurologiques. Sept 2013;40(S3):S1-S3. PMID: 23968886.