The Treatment of Headaches

While we are suffering from a headache we generally think of ways to stop the pain. However, as there are different types of headaches, sometimes the treatments may work for only a few headache types. There are two different ways of stopping the pain caused by headaches. These types of headache treatment are called prophylactical and abortive headache treatment.

The prophylactic type of treatment needs to be taken continuously in order to reduce the frequency of and to control the pain of the headache. Abortive headache treatment is commenced only when the headache starts.

However, you should understand that your physician will not prescribe any prophylactic headache treatment unless you are having several, frequent headache attacks per month. Furthermore, 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 dosage. The dose amount is then increased as time passes. You will be tested every month or so to see if the treatment is taking effect. Your doctor will also check that, during this phase of your headache treatment, you are not taking any other types of medication or vitamins.

It is vital to inform the doctor whether the sufferer is or becomes pregnant. If you do become pregnant, then your doctor must be informed, so that tests can be done to uncover any possible side effects on the unborn baby.

The primary prescription drugs given for the treatment of headaches are beta blockers like Tenormin and Lopressor. Calcium channel blockers like Cardizem, Dilacor, and Procardia are also prescribed. Doctors can also prescribe anti-depressants like Elavil and Zoloft. You can also be given Serotonin Antagonists like Sansert.

Usually, anti-convulsants such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Dilantin are also given for headache treatment. Cafergot and Sansert (ergot derivatives) may also be given by your doctor. The ‘abortive’ headache treatment types that you can take for your headache pain are usually the ‘over the counter’ (OTC) type. These include Paracetamol, Aspirin, Tylenol, Panadol, Motrin, and Advil to mention only a few. Tylenol and Panadol are known as Acetaminophen drugs. Motrin and Advil belong to the family of drugs 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 these drugs can cause other problems you should consult your doctor and find out if they are suitable for you or not. People who prefer an ‘alternative’ headache treatment should ask their doctor whether he thinks it will work.

If you have a problem with migraine or headaches, you ought to definitely go to our website on Stopping Headaches. Don’t reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.