When we are suffering from a headache we usually try to think of ways to stop the pain. However, because there are different types of headaches, the treatments may work for only a few 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 treatment needs to be taken everyday in order to reduce the frequency of the attacks and to control the severity of the headache. Abortive headache treatment is started only when the headache starts.
You should understand that your doctor will not prescribe any prophylactic headache treatment unless you are suffering from several, frequent headache attacks every 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 dose is then increased regularly. You will also be checked every month or so to find out if the treatment is taking effect. Your doctor will also make sure 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 for the doctor to know whether the sufferer is or becomes pregnant. If you do become pregnant, then your doctor should be told, so that checks can be done to uncover any possible side effects to the unborn baby.
The main prescription drugs used for stopping headache 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 can also be given 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, may 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 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.
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