When we are suffering from a headache we usually 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 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 pain of the headache. Abortive headache treatment is begun 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 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 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 sufferer is or becomes pregnant. If you do become pregnant, then your doctor should be informed, so that tests can be carried out to uncover any possible side effects to the unborn baby.
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 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 given 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 are in the group of drugs that are known as Ibuprofen.
Besides these headache medicines 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 treatments can also cause the side-effect of a different form of headache in some people.
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.
If you suffer from migraine or headaches, you ought to visit our website on Stopping Headaches.
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