Current Modes Of Headache Treatment Part 2

Preventive medications can reduce the frequency, severity and length of migraines and may increase the effectiveness of pain-relieving medicines used during migraine attacks. In most cases, preventive medications don't eliminate headaches completely, and some can have serious side effects. For best results, these drugs should be taken only as directed by a doctor, as part of a complete headache treatment plan.

Cardiovascular drugs, such as Beta blockers, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, can sometimes reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. These drugs are considered first-line treatment agents. Calcium channel blockers, another class of cardiovascular drugs, especially Verapamil, also may be helpful. In addition, the antihypertensive medications lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) and candesartan (Atacand) are useful in helping to prevent migraines. Researchers don't understand exactly why all of these cardiovascular drugs prevent migraines. Side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness or lightheadedness.

Certain antidepressants are good at helping prevent all types of headaches, including migraines. Most effective are the tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor) and protriptyline (Vivactil). These antidepressants are considered to be good drugs for reducing migrains by affecting the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. It seems that the newer antidepressants, however, generally aren't as effective for migraine prevention. You don't have to have depression to benefit from these drugs. The use of NSAIDs on a regular basis seems to reduce migraine headache frequency. If these medications don't help, the doctor may suggest a stronger, prescription-only version of the same drug. However, NSAIDs may increase your risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. In addition, long-term use of these medications can lead to ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach bleeding.

Some anit-seizure medications such as Topomax, have been found to help prevent migraines.. Taken in high doses, however, these anti-seizure drugs, may cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, hair loss and dizziness.

As you can see there are a number of current day drugs that are used for headache relief. Sometimes, combinations of these drugs work very well.


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