Treatments for Headaches
While we are suffering from a headache it is normal to try to think of ways to stop the pain. However, because 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 curing the pain caused by headaches. These types of headache treatment are called prophylactical and abortive headache treatments.
The prophylactic type of headache treatment has to be ingested continuously in order to reduce the frequency of and to control the severity of the headache. The abortive type of headache treatment is commenced only when the headache starts.
However, you should realize that your physician 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 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 check that, during this phase of your headache treatment, you are not taking any other types of medicine or vitamins.
It is very important for the doctor to know whether the patient is or becomes pregnant. If you do become pregnant, then your doctor should be informed, so that checks can be carried out to uncover any possible side effects to the unborn foetus.
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 such as Elavil and Zoloft. You may 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 prescribed 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 treatments, medicines include nonsteroidal 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 treatment medications can also cause some people to get 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.