Two Excerpts From My Book

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Chronic Headaches

(published by eBookwholesaler)

Excerpt #1

N.S.A.I.Ds

The NSAIDs are platelet antagonists and prevent platelet clumping,an action that is commonly associated with the development of migraines. They alsoaffect serotonin levels.

NSAIDS are most often used in preventive treatment of those whosufferfrom chronic migraines. They are unique in the treatment ofmigraine, andanti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make themgood choices forendive, symptomatic, and prophylactic therapy.

In fact, recent studiessuggest that the regular use of aspirin or other platelet-active drugs n this category might reduce the recurrence of migraine by approximately 40%.

The most common complaint associated with the use of NSAIDs is
gastrointestinal problems.

Typical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen(Advil, Motrin and others) or aspirin can help relieve mild migraines.There are also drugs in this family marketed specifically for migraineheadaches. These are typically a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin andcaffeine. One example of a combination drug sold over-the-counter is Excedrin Migraine.

Excerpt #2

Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) do have an anti-migraine effect, but are not usually considered to be the first choice in preventing migraines.However, they may be useful in some patients, especially those who haveboth migraine and tension-type headaches.

Amitriptyline (brand name Elavil) is a well-established antidepressant usedin migraine therapy, usually along with doxepin (brand name Sinequan),nortriptyline and imipramine.

These antidepressants are usually more effective in sedation than
protriptyline (brand name Vivactil) or desipramine, which is commonly
known as Norpramin.

Be aware that these drugs may cause dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain,blurred vision, hypertension, rapid heartbeat, sexual dysfunction, and urineretention.

This means you should not be on antidepressants if you have a narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate problems or cardiac conduction disturbances.

SSRIs

Serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and some of the other newer
antidepressants have a more targeted attack as they operate more
specifically than serotonin receptors and their side effects are not as
disabling. However, as with TCAs, it may be as long as two to three weeks before you begin to feel the therapeutic effects of these drugs.

The SSRIs, such as Prozac (fluoextine), Zoloft (setraline), and Paxil
(paroxtine) have also been found to help prevent migraines.
However the side effects of these drugs can include nausea, insomnia,weight-loss, sexual dysfunction, and agitation.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Desyrel (trazodone) are other antidepressantsthat have shown some ability to prevent migraines.
However, bupropion, can produce insomnia, anxiety, and seizures, and should not be used if you have a history of seizures or are prone to eating disorders such as bulimia.

Also, trazodone can cause priapism (persistent erection of the penis with pain and tenderness) and should be avoided if you're a male patient.