Headache Treatment

When we are suffering from a headache we generally try to think of ways to stop the pain. However, as there are various sorts of headaches, the treatments may be effective for only a some of the headache types. There are two different ways of stopping the pain caused by headaches. These types of headache treatment are named prophylactical and abortive headache treatments.

The prophylactic treatment must be taken everyday in order to reduce the frequency of the attacks and to control the severity of the headache. Abortive headache treatment is begun only when the headache starts.

You must understand that your doctor will not prescribe any prophylactic headache treatment unless you are suffering from several, frequent headache attacks every month. When you take the prophylactic medication you will be monitored for side effects like weight gain, water retention, lethargy, memory impairment and hallucinations.

The treatment of headaches with prophylactic medication begins with a low dose. The dose is then increased as time passes. You will also be tested every month or so to see if the treatment is taking effect. Your doctor will also check that you are not taking any other types of medication or vitamins during this phase of your headache treatment.

It is vital to tell the doctor whether the patient is or becomes pregnant. If you do become pregnant, then your doctor must be informed, so that checks can be carried out to uncover any possible side effects on the unborn baby.

The main prescription drugs given for stopping headache are beta blockers like Tenormin and Lopressor. Calcium channel blockers such as Cardizem, Dilacor, and Procardia are also prescribed. Doctors can also prescribe anti-depressants such as Elavil and Zoloft. You could also be prescribed serotonin antagonists like Sansert.

Sometimes anti-convulsants such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Dilantin are given for headache treatment. Cafergot and Sansert, which are ergot derivatives, could also be given by your doctor. The abortive headache treatment that you can take for your headache pain is generally the over the counter type. These include Paracetamol, Aspirin, Tylenol, Panadol, Motrin, and Advil to name but a few. Tylenol and Panadol are known as Acetaminophen drugs. Motrin and Advil belong to the group of drugs that are known as Ibuprofen.

Besides these headache medicines there are non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs or NSAID’s. The side effects of NSAIDs like Naprosyn and Meclomen include nausea, gastrointestinal pain, dizziness, diarrhea, light-headedness and constipation. These headache medications can also cause the side-effect of a different form of headache in some people.

Since taking these drugs can result in side effects, you should consult your doctor in order to discover whether they are all right for you or not. People who would rather take an ‘alternative’ headache treatment should ask their doctor whether he thinks the alternative medicine, such as aromatherapy or supplements, will be efficacious.