Drugs for Treating and Preventing Headaches
Posted on 22. Jun, 2008 by admin in Antidepressants
In addition to the traditional headache medications, there are other medications - like antidepressants - that may be prescribed to reduce the severity and frequency of your headaches. These medications are used for prevention of tension headaches.
| Generic Name | Brand Name | Possible Side Effects |
| Amytriptyline | Elavil | Fatigue, dry mouth, weight gain, constipation, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Older adults also may experience confusion or faintness. |
| Desipramine | Norpramin | Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, weakness, weight gain |
| Doxepin | Sinequan | Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, weakness, weight loss |
| Imipramine | Tofranil | Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, weakness, weight gain |
| Nortryptiline | Pamelor | Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, weakness, weight gain |
| Fluoxetine | Prozac | Nausea, dry mouth, increased appetite, agitation |
| Nefazodone | Serzone | Blurred vision, lightheadedness, clumsiness, ringing in the ears, skin rash, itching |
| Paroxetine | Paxil | Fatigue, weight gain |
| Sertraline | Zoloft | Insomnia, restlessness |
| Venalfaxine | Effexor | Vision changes, decrease in sexual desire or ability, headaches |
| Citalopram | Celexa | - |
| Escitalopram | Lexapro | - |
| Trazodone | Deseryl | Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea and vomiting, unpleasant taste |
| Bupropion | Wellbutrin | Agitation, anxiety, buzzing or ringing in ears, skin rash, hives, itching |
| Phenelzine | - | |
| Protryptiline | Dry mouth, weight gain, constipation |
The list is reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center.
