When 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 stopping the pain caused by headaches. These types of headache treatment are called prophylactical and abortive headache treatment.
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.
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 dosage. The dosage 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 make sure 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 main prescription drugs given for stopping headache are beta blockers like Tenormin and Lopressor. Calcium channel blockers like Cardizem, Dilacor, and Procardia are also prescribed. Doctors may also prescribe anti-depressants like Elavil and Zoloft. You can also be prescribed 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, may also be prescribed 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 belong to 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 taking these drugs can result in other problems, you should consult your doctor in order to discover whether 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.
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