The Treatment Of Headaches

9:15:00 pm Harjeevan Singh Brar No comments

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 has to be ingested continuously in order to reduce the frequency of and to control the severity of the headache. The abortive type of headache treatment is commenced 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 per 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 as time passes. 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 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 done 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 prescribed. Doctors can 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.
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 medications can also cause the side-effect of a different form of headache in some people.
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.