The Treatment of Headaches

While we are suffering from a headache it is natural to try to think of ways to stop the pain. However, as there are different types of headaches, the treatments may work for only a few 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 type of treatment must be taken everyday in order to reduce the frequency of and to control the severity of the headache. Abortive headache treatment is started only when the headache starts.

However, you must realize that your doctor will not prescribe any prophylactic headache treatment unless you are having several, frequent headache attacks every 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 medicine begins with a low dosage. The dosage is then increased regularly. You will also be tested every month or so to see if the treatment is effective. 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 done to uncover any possible side effects on the unborn baby.

The major prescription drugs that are used for headache treatment are beta blockers like Tenormin and Lopressor. Calcium channel blockers such as Cardizem, Dilacor, and Procardia are also used. Doctors may also prescribe anti-depressants like Elavil and Zoloft. You may also be prescribed Serotonin Antagonists like Sansert.

Furthermore, anti-convulsants such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Dilantin are also given for headache treatment. Cafergot and Sansert, which are ergot derivatives, could also be given by your doctor. The abortive headache treatment available for your headache pain is generally the ‘over the counter’ (OTC) 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 are in the group of drugs that are known as Ibuprofen.

Further to these headache medicines there are also non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. The side effects of NSAIDs like Naprosyn and Meclomen include nausea, gastrointestinal pain, dizziness, diarrhea, light-headedness and constipation. These headache treatments can also cause some people to get side-effects in the form of a different type of headache.

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.

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