The A to Z of Headaches

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Headache Treatment
By Wendy Simons

When we are suffering from a headache we generally think of ways to stop the pain. As there are different types of headaches sometimes the treatments may work for only a few headaches. There are two different ways of curing the pain caused by headaches. These types of headache treatment can be called prophylactical and abortive.

The prophylactic treatment must be continued everyday in order to reduce the frequency of the attacks and to control the severity of the headache. The abortive headache treatment is begun only when the headaches start.

You should understand that your doctor will not prescribe any prophylactic headache treatment unless you are suffering from several and frequent headache attacks a 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 medication begins with low doses. The dosage amount is increased as time passes. You will be tested every month or so to see if the treatment is taking effect. Your doctor will also make sure that during the phase of your headache treatment that you are not taking any other types of medication or vitamins.

One very important fact that must be looked in to is whether you are pregnant. On the off chance that you do become pregnant then your doctor should be informed so that your pregnancy and any possible effects to the fetus may discovered quickly.

The major prescription drugs that are used 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 antidepressants like Elavil and Zoloft. You can use Serotonin Antagonists like Sansert.

Sometimes anticonvulsants such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Dilantin are given for headache treatment. Cafergot and Sansert which are Ergot derivatives may also be prescribed by your doctor. The abortive headache treatment that you can take for your headache pain is generally the over the counter type. These include 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 treatment medications include nonsteroidal 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 treatment medications can also cause some people to get headaches.

Since these drugs can cause other problems you should consult with your doctor and find out if they are suitable for you. For people who would prefer an alternative form of headache treatment talking with your doctor can reveal if this type of treatment will help with your headaches.

Author Details:
Wendy Simons, writes for various websites, mainly about skin care, microdermabrasion and other health matters. If you are looking for further information try these migraine articles from Simply Top

Source: The A to Z of Headaches

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