Headache Prescription Medications

Headache is a pain occurring in the head, scalp, or upper neck. In most cases, pain does not require medical treatment. Headaches are extremely rarely caused by serious underlying diseases.

Headaches are not well understood by scientists. Headaches are considered to be caused by changes in chemicals, nerves, or blood vessels in the head and at the base of the skull. These changes send pain signals to the brain.

Types of headaches

The most common types of headaches are tension, migraine, and cluster headaches.

Tension
Tension headache is the most common type of headache. The pain is usually described as a vise squeezing on both sides of the head or a tight band around the head.

Migraine
Migraine headaches are often described as an intense throbbing, pounding pain on one or both sides of the head. There are two forms of migraine: with aura (formerly called classic) and without aura (formerly called common). Women are more likely than men to have migraine headaches.

Migraines are most likely result from problems with blood vessels in the head.

Cluster
Cluster headache occurs suddenly as a sharp, penetrating or excruciating pain, usually involving only one side of the head. This headache usually happens as a series of headaches, separated by pain free periods lasting for weeks, or sometimes months or even years.

Cluster headaches involve blood vessels in the head, therefore it is necessary to consult and follow up appropriately with a doctor.

Headache medications

Headache medications relieve pain, reduce inflammation or dilate restricted blood vessels. Both over-the-counter and prescription drugs are available for the management of headaches.

Analgesics

Usually, the first drugs recommended by doctors are OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

Prescription analgesics such as indomethacin and ketorolac are also used for treating headache pain.

Combination medications

Combinations of acetaminophen or aspirin with caffeine or a sedative drug are often used to relieve headache. These combination drugs may be more effective than are pure analgesics. Although many combination drugs are available OTC, analgesic-sedative Combinations with sedative ingredient (e.g. butalbital) are available only with prescription because they may be habit-forming and can lead to rebound headache.

• Butalbital / APAP w/caffeine
• Esgic Plus 500 mg
• Fioricet

Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Serotonin Receptor Agonists ("triptans") are the newest class of medications used to treat migraine and cluster headaches. Some are available in different dosage forms including; tablets, quickly dissolving tablets that can be taken without water, nasal sprays and injections. They help relieve headaches by constricting blood vessels and moderating chemical reactions in the brain.

One of the most commonly used drugs for the relief of migraine symptoms is sumatriptan (Imitrex).

Preventive medications

Preventive medications are taken regularly to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Preventive treatment may not eliminate headaches. Commonly used preventive drugs are beta-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, anticonvulsants.

There are numerous medications that can be used to treat and relief headaches. The type of drug that is appropriate will depend on the type of headache, and an individual's health conditions. Treatment for headaches is highly individualized and it is possible that several agents may be tried to find one that works best.

Last Updated: January 2010