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 severity of the headache. Abortive headache treatment is commenced only when the headache starts.
However, you should understand that your doctor will not prescribe any prophylactic headache treatment unless you are suffering from 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 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 make sure that, during this phase of your headache treatment, you are not taking any other types of medication or vitamins.
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 done to discover any possible effects to the 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 like Elavil and Zoloft. You can 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 given 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 are in the group of drugs that are known as Ibuprofen.
Besides these headache treatments, medications 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 taking these drugs can result in other problems, you ought to consult your doctor in order to find out whether they are all right for you or not. People who would rather take an ‘alternative’ headache treatment should ask their doctor whether he thinks the alternative medicine, such as aromatherapy or supplements, will be efficacious.
If you have a problem with migraine or headaches, you ought to definitely go to our website at Stopping Headaches.
categories: headaches,migraines,men,women,frustration,moods,emotions,medicine,treatment,anxiety,self help,advice,tension,other
Other Migraine Headache Information:
- Your Questions About Ocular Migraine Treatment Paul asks… Does anyone know about any treatment for ocular...
- Your Questions About Natural Migraine Headache Remedies Susan asks… Natural remedies for menstrual cramps? I'm trying not...
- Make These Lifestyle Changes to Find A Migraine Cure Migraines have grown to be a very ordinary neurological condition...
- Your Questions About Migraine Medication During Pregnancy Thomas asks… What did you do to alleviate migraine pain...
- Your Questions About Can Aspirin Give You A Headache William asks… Can taking aspirin without actually needing it give...
