While we are suffering from a headache it is normal 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 few of the headache types. There are two different ways of curing the pain caused by headaches. These types of headache treatment are named prophylactical and abortive headache treatments.
The prophylactic type of treatment has 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 realize that your doctor will not prescribe any prophylactic headache treatment unless you are suffering from several, frequent headache attacks every month. Furthermore, when you take the prophylactic medication you will be checked 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 is then increased as time passes. You will also be tested every month or so to see if the treatment is effective. Your doctor will also make sure that you are not taking any other types of medicine or vitamins during this phase of your headache treatment.
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 done to discover 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 prescribed. Doctors may also prescribe anti-depressants such as 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, 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’ (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 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 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.
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