When we are suffering from a headache we generally try to think of ways to stop the pain. However, as there are various sorts of headaches, the treatments may be effective for only a few of the 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 treatments.

The prophylactic type of treatment has to be taken everyday in order to reduce the frequency of and to control the pain of the headache. Abortive headache treatment is begun 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 per 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 a low dosage. The dosage amount is then 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 this phase of your headache treatment, you are not taking any other types of medicine or vitamins.

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 informed, so that checks can be carried out to uncover any possible side effects to 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 used. Doctors can also prescribe anti-depressants such as Elavil and Zoloft. You can also be given 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 are in the family of drugs known as Ibuprofen.

Further to these headache treatments there are also non-steroidal 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 medications can also cause some people to get side-effects in the form of a different type of headache.

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.

If you have a problem with migraine or headaches, you ought to visit our website on Stopping Headaches.