The use of medication for headache treatment varies depending on the characteristics and severity of the pain, including:
1) Migraine Cocktail
Consists of three types of intravenous drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticonvulsants, and steroid injections. Used to suppress severe headache symptoms. Before receiving the medication, patients or their relatives should inform the doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions and drug allergies. After receiving the medication, patients may feel drowsy and should avoid driving or operating machinery.
2) Occipital Nerve Block
Uses localized medication and steroid injections to inhibit pain. Patients undergoing this procedure should inform the doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions and drug allergies. Side effects from the medication that may occur after the procedure include pain at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, and infection.
3) Oral Medication for Headache Relief
- Paracetamol is suitable for minor headache symptoms. Caution should be exercised in patients with abnormal liver function, and this medication should not be taken more than 3 grams per day (equivalent to six 500 mg tablets) and used consecutively for no more than 5 – 7 days.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are suitable for mild to moderate headache symptoms. Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of heart and vascular diseases, abnormal kidney function, history of ulcers, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Examples of these drugs include Ibuprofen, Mefenamic acid, Naproxen, etc.
- Painkillers in the opioid derivatives group are used for moderate to severe headache symptoms. These drugs should be used under strict medical supervision, especially in patients with a history of epilepsy, abnormal liver or kidney function, or respiratory system diseases. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, and respiratory depression.
- Pain relief formula of Ergotamine and Caffeine is used for acute migraine headaches. You should not consume more than 6 tablets per day or 10 tablets per week. This medication is contraindicated in pregnant women and should be used with caution in people with heart and vascular diseases, abnormal liver or kidney function, and those with insomnia. It should be closely monitored by a doctor and pharmacist. If numbness, warmth, or loss of sensation in the hands or feet occurs, consult a doctor immediately.
- Triptan group drugs are used to suppress migraine headaches. Caution should be used in patients with heart and vascular diseases, high blood pressure, and abnormal liver function.
Headache Prevention Medication
- OnabotulinumtoxinA involves injections of botulinum toxin type A, extracted from Clostridium botulinum, to inhibit nerve signals causing headaches, administered to patients at 31 points every 3 months. Common side effects include pain and inflammation at the injection site, facial muscle weakness, and infection. Therefore, it requires close medical supervision.
- Anticonvulsants Some anticonvulsants can reduce the frequency of headaches, such as Valproate, Topiramate, Gabapentin. These drugs may cause side effects like drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, etc., and should be used with caution in patients with abnormal liver or kidney function.
- Blood Pressure Lowering Medications Studies have shown that certain drugs, such as Beta blockers, Calcium channel blockers, and ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors) inhibitors, or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers, can reduce headaches. The choice of medication will be determined by the doctor to suit each patient’s condition, as these drugs can cause low blood pressure and other specific side effects.
- Antidepressants Some antidepressants can prevent migraine headaches. Possible side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, etc. Elderly patients receiving these drugs should be closely monitored by a doctor.
- Natural extracts for headache relief, such as Butterbur, Feverfew, CoenzymeQ10, Magnesium, VitaminB2, etc. The appropriate dosage needs to be considered for each patient, hence should be under the guidance of the treating physician and monitored consistently.
