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Headache Medicine: Medication for Headache Pain Relief
Headaches happen, and they are the most common form of pain and discomfort that people experience at different points in their lives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headaches affect 50% of adults, in any given year, globally. However, the pain and discomfort can be managed with headache medicine.
Headache causes vary but are usually a result of stress or an underlying medical disorder such as anxiety, high blood pressure, depression, or migraine. Although it may be challenging to describe head pain, common headache symptoms include throbbing, constant, intermittent or unrelenting pain, eye pain, sensitivity to light or sound and nausea or vomiting for migraine headaches. The pain or discomfort may either be localized (skull or face) or generalized (whole head).
Headache Treatment
Typically, the first headache medicine prescribed for headaches and migraines is pain relievers. Many headache relief medicines are available over-the-counter (OTC), some without a doctor’s prescription while others require a prescription.
Treatment for headaches varies depending on the type of headache and the severity of the accompanying symptoms. Generally, there are three primary types of headaches, which include:
- Tension headaches: This type causes mild to moderate pain or discomfort on both sides of the head and can last from half an hour to 7 days.
- Migraine headaches: This type affects only one side of your head but can sometimes affect both and lasts from 4 to 72 hours without treatment.
- Cluster headaches: This type causes severe pain on one side of the head and usually occurs on an on-and-off basis for several weeks within a few months.
Moreover, a medication used to treat headaches is grouped into three categories, including:
- Symptomatic relief
These medications are used to relieve headache symptoms such as pain or nausea and vomiting common in migraine headaches. These are OTC headache medicines that may or may not require a doctor’s prescription.
While taking these drugs, it is recommended to refrain from caffeine-containing beverages and foods as well as medications. Additionally, drugs containing narcotics such as codeine and barbiturates such as butalbital should also be avoided. Most of the drugs in this category including aspirin are not suitable headache medicine for children. Symptomatic relief medicines include:
| Generic Name | Brand Name | Use | Precautions | Potential Side Effects |
| Aspirin | Bayer®, Ecotrin®, Bufferin® | Pain relief | Not suitable for children below the age of 14 years | Heartburn, peptic ulcer, anaphylaxis, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and bronchospasm (construction of causing narrowing of airways) |
| Ibuprofen (NSAID) | Advil®, Motrin IB®, Nuprin® | Pain relief | Not recommended in pediatric patients | GI upset or bleeding, vomiting, nausea, rash, liver damage |
| Acetaminophen, paracetamol | Tylenol® | Pain relief | Not recommended in pediatric patients | If taken as direct, there are few side effects including liver damage and changes in blood counts |
| Naproxen sodium (NSAID) | Aleve® | Headache pain relief | Not recommended in pediatric patients | GI upset or bleeding, vomiting, nausea, liver damage, rash |
- Abortive therapy
Abortive headache treatment stops a migraine headache once it begins. Generally, these drugs minimize headache symptoms such as nausea/vomiting or sound and light sensitivity. They can be taken by mouth, self-injection, nasal spray or skin patch. Some of the drugs in this category include:
| Generic Name | Brand Name | Use | Precautions | Potential Side Effects |
| Ergot, dihydroergotamine, mesylate | DHE-45®, Injection; Migranal® intranasal | Treat headache pain | Numbness of fingers and toes, nausea | |
| Triptans, Sumatriptan succinate, zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan HCI, almotriptan malate, frovatriptan succinate, eletriptan hydrobromide | Imitrex® injection, oral or intranasal; Zomig®, oral or Intranasal; Maxalt® oral; Amerge®oral; Axert® oral; Frova® oral; Relpax ®oral | Treat headache pain | Nausea, sleepiness, dry mouth, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, hot/cold flashes, numbness, and a tightening sensation around the chest or throat. |
- Preventive therapy
This treatment method is considered if migraine headaches occur more than once per week or if the headache symptoms are severe. Preventive therapy works by lessening the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. However, if the attacks are extremely severe, Botox may be used. Preventive treatment drugs include:
| Generic Name | Brand Name | Use | Precautions | Potential Side Effects |
| Amitriptyline HCI | Elavil® | Dry mouth, weight gain, fatigue, and constipation | ||
| cyproheptadine HCI | Periactin® | Drowsiness, weight gain, induce sleep or shorten migraine attack | ||
| Fluoxetine HCI | Prozac® | Dry mouth, agitation, nausea, and increased appetite | ||
| Propranolol HCI | Tenormin®, Inderal® | Weight gain, depression, fatigue, diarrhea and memory problems | ||
| Verapamil, flunarizine | Calan®, Isoptin®, Sibelium® | Hair loss, dizziness, and constipation | ||
| Anticonvulsants valproic acid | Depakote® | Weight gain, nausea, liver failure, tremors, drowsiness and may cause birth defects | ||
| Topiramate | Topamax® | Weight loss, glaucoma, kidney stones | ||
| Gabapentin | Neurontin® | Well tolerated |
Mostly, these types of headache medicines are most effective when used in combination with other recommendations such as lifestyle changes (adequate sleep, usually 7-8 hours, relaxation therapy, exercise, and proper hydration) and dietary modifications. Generally, your doctor will work with you to determine the medication that works best to minimize headaches as well as regulate the dosage to reduce side effects.=
Tips to prevent headaches
The tips below can help you manage headaches and reduce the need to reach for OTC headache medicine every time you have an attack.
- Adjusting to a healthier lifestyle: This includes avoiding to skip meals, getting adequate sleep (7-8 hours daily), drinking enough water (6-8 glasses daily) and exercising.
- Decreasing your use of OTC drugs as excessive use can increase headaches. Instead consider alternative options such as acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, meditation, among others.
- Try natural home remedies to get rid of headaches without medicine such as applying heat or cold compresses, taking herbal tea, avoiding headache triggers, among others.
When to see a doctor
Although headaches are prevalent, it’s essential to take control and seek relevant help if the attacks disrupt your life in general. Your doctor can help you manage the symptoms. However, you should immediately seek medical advice if you experience:
- A headache after a fall or head injury
- A severe, abrupt headache
- Pain that worsens despite treatment
- Confusion, fever, rash, stiff neck, seizures, numbness, double vision, difficulty speaking
These symptoms may be a result of a more severe condition; hence it’s vital to seek urgent diagnosis and treatment. We offer convenient locations, flexible scheduling, and excellent care and handle other mental health problems as well, such as Neurology, Psychology, Psychiatry or Psychotherapy related.
Call us today and book your appointment at the German Neuroscience Center.
