When we are suffering from a headache we usually try to think of ways to stop the pain. However, as there are different types of headaches, the treatments may work for only a some of the headache types. There are two different ways of curing the pain caused by headaches. These types of headache treatment are called prophylactical and abortive headache treatments.

The prophylactic type of headache treatment needs to be ingested continuously 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 understand that your physician 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 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 check that, during this phase of your headache treatment, you are not taking any other types of medication 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 told, so that checks can be carried out to discover any possible side effects to the unborn foetus.

The primary prescription drugs given for the treatment of headaches are beta blockers such as Tenormin and Lopressor. Calcium channel blockers like Cardizem, Dilacor, and Procardia are also prescribed. Doctors can also prescribe anti-depressants like 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) may also be given by your doctor. The 'abortive' headache treatment types available 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 medications 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 taking these drugs can result in other problems, you should consult your doctor in order to find out whether they are all right for you or not. People who would rather take an 'alternative' headache treatment should ask their doctor whether he thinks the alternative medicine, such as aromatherapy or supplements, will be efficacious.