Headaches are a very common problem that many of us have. Sometimes, when we have a slight headache, we go to the pharmacy and buy a painkiller. But did you know that there are many types of medicines used for headaches, and if they are used incorrectly, the problems can worsen? Okay, so today we will talk about everything you need to know about these headache medicines.
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Main types of headache medications
Simply put, the medications that doctors prescribe for headaches can be divided into three main categories. Each type is used for different purposes.
- Symptomatic relief: This is the type of medication that we all know and take when we have a headache. These medications help control symptoms such as headache pain, nausea , and vomiting .
- Abortive therapy: These are a bit special. Especially in severe headaches like migraines , these medications help stop the underlying process of the headache as soon as it starts. This way, the headache can be controlled without getting worse.
- Preventive therapy: This is a type of medication that is given daily to someone who has frequent, perhaps daily, headaches to reduce the frequency and severity of their pain.
Remember, your doctor should decide which medication is right for you. So avoid buying medication at the pharmacy on your own.
What happens if you take too much medicine? – “Rebound” headaches
This is something that many people don't know, but it's very important. If you take painkillers regularly, that is, more than two days a week, what it can do is make your headaches worse . We call thisIt is called "Medication-Overuse Headache or Rebound Headache."
Think about it, when you take a painkiller regularly, the parts of your brain that control pain become accustomed to it. After a while, as the drug wears off, those parts lose control and start signaling pain again. So you have to take more of the drug, and it continues like a cycle.
Medications that can cause this condition:
- Medicines such as aspirin , acetaminophen (paracetamol), and Ibuprofen can be purchased from pharmacies without a prescription.
- Painkillers containing caffeine.
- Strong medications like triptans, narcotics, and barbiturates that a doctor prescribes.
If you also need to take medication for headaches regularly, be sure to talk to your doctor about this.
Practical tips for headache control
Besides medication, there are many things you can do to control headaches. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Instruction category | Things to do |
|---|---|
| About the use of medication | – Limit the use of painkillers to two days a week. – Take the medicine as soon as the headache starts. – Take the medicine prescribed by the doctor as prescribed. – Be sure to go to the doctor on the scheduled dates. |
| Awareness of headaches | – Keep a “Headache Diary” to identify your headache patterns and triggers. – Inform your family about the type of headache you have and the treatment. |
| Lifestyle changes | – Don't skip meals, especially breakfast. – Get at least 7 hours of good sleep every day. – Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. – Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. – Identify and avoid foods that increase headaches (those containing nitrates such as sausages and ham, and those containing tyramine such as aged cheese). |
| Things you can do at home | – When you get a headache, rest in a cool, dark, quiet room. – Apply a cold compress to your head. – Practice relaxation strategies. |
Headache medications in detail
1. Symptomatic Relief
These are the types that we can usually buy from the pharmacy without a prescription (Over-the-Counter – OTC).
| Generic Name | Market names (e.g. Brand Names) | Important points |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin | Bayer®, Bufferin® | May cause stomach upset and gastritis. Avoid giving to children under 14 years of age. May cause a dangerous condition called Reye's syndrome. |
| Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) | Tylenol®, Panadol® | Taking more than the recommended dose may cause liver damage. |
| Ibuprofen (NSAID) | Advil®, Motrin®, Brufen® | May cause stomach upset and gastritis. It is best to take after meals. |
| Naproxen sodium (NSAID) | Aleve®, Naprosyn® | Ibuprofen may cause similar side effects. |
2. Abortive Therapy
These are mainly medications prescribed by a doctor for migraines. They should be taken as soon as the headache begins.
- Triptans: (e.g. Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan) These reduce pain by controlling changes in the blood vessels in the brain that occur when a migraine begins. These are not suitable for people with conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure .
- Ergots: (e.g. Dihydroergotamine) These work similarly to the above medications, but may have more side effects .
3. Preventive Therapy
These are the types of medications that people who get frequent headaches take daily to prevent them. Although many of these are actually medications developed for other conditions (e.g., high blood pressure , epilepsy ), they have been found to be very effective in preventing headaches.
- Beta-blockers: (e.g. Propranolol) – A type of medication used to treat high blood pressure.
- Antidepressants: (e.g. Amitriptyline) – A type of medication used for depression.
- Anticonvulsants: (e.g. Topiramate, Sodium Valproate) – A type of medication given for epilepsy.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections: A type of injection given about once every three months for chronic migraine.
- CGRP Antagonists: (e.g. Erenumab) – These are a newer type of medication developed specifically for the prevention of migraines.
It may take a few weeks or a month or two to feel the full effects of these medications. Therefore, it is important to be patient and use the medication exactly as your doctor tells you.
When to see a doctor immediately
Even though a headache is common, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious illness. If you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- If you think , "This is the worst headache I've had in a long time."
- If the headache is accompanied by loss of vision, loss of consciousness, or vomiting.
- If the headache lasts more than 72 hours (unless there is more than 4 hours of pain-free time in between).
- If you have a headache along with a fever and a stiff neck.
- If the headache started after a head injury.
- If something feels “not right” or strange to you.
Take-Home Message
- There are three main types of headache medications: pain relievers, headache relievers, and headache preventers. Not all of them work for every headache.
- Using painkillers more than two days a week can make headaches worse. We call this a “rebound headache.”
- Your doctor should determine the right medication and dosage for your headache. Therefore, do not buy medication from the pharmacy on your own.
- Not only medication, but drinking plenty of water, eating on time, exercising, and getting enough sleep are also very important for headache control.
- If you have dangerous symptoms, such as the most severe headache you've ever had, don't waste time and see a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
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