When we are suffering from a headache we usually try to think of ways to stop the pain. However, because 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 named prophylactical and abortive headache treatments.

The prophylactic treatment must be taken everyday in order to reduce the frequency of the attacks and to control the severity of the headache. Abortive headache treatment is commenced only when the headache starts.

You should understand that your doctor will not prescribe any prophylactic headache treatment unless you are suffering from several, 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 a low dose. 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 medication or vitamins.

It is vital to tell the doctor whether the sufferer is or becomes pregnant. If you do become pregnant, then your doctor must be informed, so that tests can be carried out to uncover any possible side effects on the unborn baby.

The main prescription drugs used for stopping headache are beta blockers such as Tenormin and Lopressor. Calcium channel blockers such as Cardizem, Dilacor, and Procardia are also prescribed. Doctors can also prescribe anti-depressants like Elavil and Zoloft. You may also be prescribed serotonin antagonists like Sansert.

Sometimes anti-convulsants 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 Paracetamol, 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 medications there are non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs or NSAID’s. The side effects of NSAIDs like Naprosyn and Meclomen include nausea, gastrointestinal pain, dizziness, diarrhea, light-headedness and constipation. These headache treatments can also cause the side-effect of a different form of headache in some people.

Since these drugs can cause side effects, 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 the alternative medicine, such as aromatherapy, will be efficacious.