When we are suffering from a headache it is normal to try to think of ways to stop the pain. However, as there are various kinds of headaches, the treatments may be effective for only a some of the 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 treatments.
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.
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 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 dose. The dose is then increased as time passes. 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 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 discover any possible side effects to the unborn baby.
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 used. Doctors may also prescribe anti-depressants such as Elavil and Zoloft. You can also be given serotonin antagonists like Sansert.
Usually, anti-convulsants such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Dilantin are also given for headache treatment. Cafergot and Sansert (ergot derivatives) could also be prescribed by your doctor. The ‘abortive’ headache treatment types available for your headache pain are usually the ‘over the counter’ (OTC) type. These include Paracetamol, Aspirin, Tylenol, Panadol, Motrin, and Advil to mention only a few. Tylenol and Panadol are known as Acetaminophen drugs. Motrin and Advil belong to the family of drugs known as Ibuprofen.
Further to these headache medicines 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 taking these drugs can result in side effects, you ought to 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 effective.
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