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 headache treatment needs to be ingested continuously in order to reduce the frequency of and to control the pain of the headache. The abortive type of headache treatment is started only when the headache starts.
You must 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 dose is then increased regularly. You will also be tested every month or so to see if the treatment is effective. 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 vital to inform the doctor whether the sufferer is or becomes pregnant. If you do become pregnant, then your doctor must be informed, so that tests can be carried out to uncover any possible side effects on the unborn foetus.
The primary prescription drugs given for the treatment of headaches are beta blockers like Tenormin and Lopressor. Calcium channel blockers such as 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.
Usually, anti-convulsants such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Dilantin are also given for headache treatment. Cafergot and Sansert (ergot derivatives) could also be given by your doctor. The ‘abortive’ headache treatment types that you can take 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.
Besides these headache medicines 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 side effects, you should consult your doctor in order to discover whether they are all right for you or not. People who would rather 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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