The Treatment of Headaches
July 28, 2009 2:05 am anxiety and panic attacksWhile we are suffering from a headache it is natural to 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 curing the pain caused by headaches. These types of headache treatment are called prophylactical and abortive headache treatment.
The prophylactic treatment must be taken everyday in order to reduce the frequency of the attacks and to control the severity 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. 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 regularly. You will also be tested every month or so to see if the treatment is taking effect. Your doctor will also check that you are not taking any other types of medication or vitamins during this phase of your headache treatment.
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 carried out to discover any possible effects to the foetus.
The primary prescription drugs used for the treatment of headaches are beta blockers such as 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 may 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, 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.
Further to these headache medications there are also non-steroidal 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 medications can also cause some people to get side-effects in the form of a different type of headache.
Since these drugs can cause other problems you should consult your doctor and 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.
