The Treatment of Headaches
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 headache treatment must be ingested everyday 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.
However, you should realize that your physician will not prescribe any prophylactic headache treatment unless you are having several, frequent headache attacks a 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 medication begins with a low dose. The dose is then increased regularly. 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 medication or vitamin supplements during this early 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 told, so that checks can be carried out to discover any possible side effects to the unborn foetus.
The major prescription drugs that are given for headache treatment are beta blockers like Tenormin and Lopressor. Calcium channel blockers such as Cardizem, Dilacor, and Procardia are also used. Doctors may also prescribe anti-depressants such as 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, could also be given 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 are in the group of drugs that are known as Ibuprofen.
Besides these headache medications 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 in order to find out if 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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