Headache Treatment

By Rose Williams | December 29, 2009

When we are suffering from a headache it is natural to try to think of ways to stop the pain. However, because there are different types of headaches, the treatments may work for only a some of the headache types. There are two different methods of curing the pain caused by headaches. These types of headache treatment are called prophylactical and abortive headache treatments.

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

However, you must realize that your physician will not prescribe any prophylactic headache treatment unless you are having several, frequent headache attacks a 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 dose. 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 make sure that, during this phase of your headache treatment, you are not taking any other types of medication or vitamins.

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

The primary prescription drugs given for the treatment of headaches are beta blockers such as 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 can also be given 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, may 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 belong to the group of drugs that are known as Ibuprofen.

Besides these headache treatments 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 in order to find out whether 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 suffer from migraine or headaches, you ought to definitely go along to our website on Stopping Headaches.

categories: headaches,migraines,men,women,frustration,moods,emotions,medicine,treatment,anxiety,self help,advice,tension,other

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