| Tension-Type Headache, most common of all | |
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Treating TTH
If a tension-type headache can be relieved by relaxing, using an ice pack, and
perhaps a nap, that is the best course of action. This does work in some cases.
If not, medications are tried, beginning with the simplest of over-the-counter analgesics
and moving up from there to prescription medications. Some of the medications
used are:
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Naproxen
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin-Caffeine combinations
- Ibuprofen-Caffeine combinations
- Midrin
- Norgesic Forte
- Indomethacin
- Vioxx
When TTH don't respond to those medications, other types of medications are tried, including:
- Ultram
- Fiorinal, Fioricet (Butalbital Compounds)
- Hydrocodone (narcotic
- Darvon, Darvocet (narcotic)
It is extremely important to know that nearly all medications taken for headache relief have the potential to cause rebound headaches if taken more than two days in a row. For more information about rebound, click HERE.
Preventing
TTH
Preventive medications are usually considered if :
- TTH episodes are occurring more than twice a week
- the episodes are extraordinarily severe
- TTH is contributing to a significant decrease in quality of life
- the medications used to deal with the TTH episodes pose a risk of addiction or other medical problem
In preventive therapy, medications are taken daily to prevent episodes of TTH. Some of the medications used are:
- Depakote, (anticonvulsants)
- Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Pamelor, Wellbutrin (antidepressants)
- Naprelan, Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, Ansaid, Orudis (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory)
- Occasionally a combination of two of these medications
It should be noted that finding effective preventive therapy does not happen overnight. A fair trial can take up to up to six months of physician supervision. A headache diary should be kept faithfully during this period. Giving up after a short period of time robs the patient of the potential benefits of the preventive medications.
Tension-type headaches, while perhaps not as sever as cluster headaches or migraine disorder, occur more often than any other type of headache. Fortunately, they generally respond very well to treatment and can be prevented in many cases as well.
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