What medication is good for tension headaches/migrains?

Question

I have seen a doctor for my headaches, she has given me naproxen, and butal (fioricet). The naproxen has not worked at all for me, and the fioricet has worked sometimes. What pill should I ask for next?? I want to get rid of these headaches for good!

Answer 1

A tension headache can be caused by things as simple as clenching your jaw or squinting your eyes. Taking deep breaths and relaxing these areas will rapidly relieve the pain. As well as the one the other poster mentioned about neck and shoulder muscles.

A migraine is a totally different kind of headache, called a cluster headache which involves the veins in one section of your brain getting larger and putting pressure on it. There are specific drugs for this, such as Imitrex. Neither tylenol nor fioricet will usually help this kind of headache. If your doctor hasn't given you an actual diagnosis of migraines, I might request a consult with a specialist, who will know the correct drugs for treating migraines.

Answer 2

Migraine medications include Imitrex, Zomig, and Maxalt. As for over the counter you may try ibuprofen (motrin) for tension headaches. Also know that Excedrin Migraine and Extra Strength Excedrin are exactly the same thing so if you want to save money by buying generics you can just buy the generic Excedrin instead of the one with "migraine" on the label. Checking your blood pressure is a good idea. I've also heard taking calcium helps with headaches.

Answer 3

The doctor will have an idea of what's next on the list to try. Ask her.

Also, tension headaches and migraines aren't quite the same, so maybe the current prescriptions you have will only tackle one sort.

See if you can consult an Osteopath or Chiropractor for both sorts of headache. They will go through your history and lifestyle and may shed some light on why you get them and what you can do to prevent them. They can also treat you very effectively by releasing the tension in the neck and shoulder, which should make a difference.

Answer 4

For migraines:

1- Advil
2- Voltarol

A migraine is completely different to tension headache though - it screws your vision and digestion up and you cant think or do anything..

Answer 5

You have to analyse the factors of headache by not simply taking medication.
First, you should check your Blood pressure. A normal blood pressure is 120/80. If your blood pressure is high take antihypertension drugs such as Norvas, forzaar and others.
If there is no indication of hypertension, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) is encouraged. The function of MRI is to identify if there is any blockage or growth in your brain.

Temporary, if you feel you need medication, you may try ponstant for temporary used.

LCS

Answer 6

I don't know about pills, as I avoid all prescriptions unless my life is at risk...But migraines/headaches can be caused by your diet as well. Migraines for instance, have been linked to a deficiency in magnesium.

Probably the best recommendation I can make to you with my knowledge is analyze your diet. Start taking a multi-vitamin (check with your doctor first to make sure there are no contraindication relating to the vitamins/minerals). One of the easiest supplements to experiment with is Omega 3 fatty acids. It's found in abundance in fish, and you can supplement quite easily with pills.

Answer 7

Wow, fioricet is the sh*t, I am surprised that did not work. I use Excedrin Migraine but it sounds like you need prescription stength. Go back and talk to your doctor.

Answer 8

Excederin tension headache pills

Answer 9

Did your doctor say anything about high blood pressure?

I get headaches from 90 percent of the time from my high blood pressure.

Answer 10

advil migraine works great for me