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 kinds of headaches, the treatments may be effective for only a some of the headache types. There are two different methods of stopping the pain caused by headaches. These types of headache treatment are called prophylactical and abortive headache treatments.
The prophylactic type of headache treatment must be ingested everyday in order to reduce the frequency of and to control the severity of the headache. The abortive type of headache treatment is started 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 per 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 medicine begins with a low dosage. The dosage is then increased monthly. You will also be checked every month or so to find out if the treatment is taking effect. Your doctor will also check that you are not on any other types of medicine or vitamin supplements during this early phase of your headache treatment.
It is very important to know whether the patient is or becomes pregnant. If you do become pregnant, then your doctor should be informed so that tests can be carried out to discover any possible effects to the foetus.
The main prescription drugs given for stopping headache are beta blockers like Tenormin and Lopressor. Calcium channel blockers like Cardizem, Dilacor, and Procardia are also used. Doctors can 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 prescribed 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 taking these drugs can result in other problems, you ought to consult your doctor in order to discover whether they are all right for you or not. People who prefer to take an ‘alternative’ headache treatment should ask their doctor whether he thinks the alternative medicine, such as aromatherapy or supplements, will work.
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