While 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 treatment needs to 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 a 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 monthly. You will also be checked every month or so to find out if the treatment is taking effect. Your doctor will also make sure that you are not on any other types of medicine or vitamin supplements during this early phase of your headache treatment.
It is very important 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 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 can also prescribe anti-depressants such as Elavil and Zoloft. You could 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) may also be given 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 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 treatments 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 the alternative medicine, such as aromatherapy, will work.
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