When 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 everyday in order to reduce the frequency of and to control the pain of the headache. Abortive headache treatment is commenced 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 dosage is then increased regularly. You will also be tested 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 medication 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 tests can be done to uncover any possible side effects to the unborn foetus.
The primary prescription drugs used for the treatment of headaches 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.
Sometimes anti-convulsants such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Dilantin are given for headache treatment. Cafergot and Sansert, which are ergot derivatives, may also be prescribed 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 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 taking these drugs can result in other problems, you ought to consult your doctor in order to discover if 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 be efficacious.
If you suffer from migraine or headaches, you ought to definitely go to our website at Stopping Headaches.