Cures for Headaches

When we are suffering from a severe headache it is natural to think of both natural and medicinal cures for headaches. However, as there are different types of headaches, sometimes the cures for headaches that you choose will work for only a few causes of headache. There are two different basic types of cures for headaches. These types of cures for headaches are called prophylactical and abortive headache treatments.

The prophylactic type of cures for headaches needs to be taken everyday in order to reduce the frequency of the daily attacks and to control the pain of the headache. The abortive type of cures for headaches is commenced only after the pain starts.

However, you should realize that your physician will not prescribe any prophylactic cures for headaches unless you are suffering from several, frequent, chronic headache attacks a month. Furthermore, when you take the prophylactic medication, you will be monitored for side effects on your general health like weight gain, water retention, lethargy, memory impairment and hallucinations.

The cures for headaches with prophylactic medication begin with a low dosage. The dose amount is then increased as time passes. You will be tested every month or so to see if the remedies are taking effect. Your doctor will also check that, during this phase of your headache treatment, you are not taking any other types of medicine or vitamins.

It is very important to know whether the sufferer is or becomes pregnant. If you do become pregnant, then your doctor should be informed so that tests can be done to discover any possible side effects on the foetus.

The major prescription drugs that are given as cures for headaches 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-convulsant remedies such as Tegretol, Depakote, and Dilantin are also given as cures for chronic headaches like cluster headaches and migraine headaches. Cafergot and Sansert, which are ergot derivatives, could also be prescribed by your doctor as cures for headaches.

The abortive headache treatment that you can take for your headache 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 cures for headaches, there are 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 cures for headaches can also cause some people to get a different type of headache.

Since these drugs can trigger other severe or chronic symptoms you should consult your doctor in order to find out whether the cures for headaches are suitable for you or not. People who prefer the experience of using natural cures for headaches, such as alternative medicine or aromatherapy, should ask their doctor whether he thinks that these cures for headaches will be effective.