Pain Relievers for Tension Headaches
Pain Relievers for Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are characterized by mild to moderate head pain,
which may extend to the back of the neck. This type of headache may
resolve within a half hour, or may persist for several days. Persons who
experience tension headaches may experience difficulty sleeping, decreased
appetite, or difficulty concentrating. Chemicals in the brain, such
as serotonin and endorphins, may be altered and interfere with pain pathways
in the brain. Headache triggers include stress, anxiety, lack of physical
activity, and hormonal changes. Certain medications also may trigger
tension headaches, including drugs prescribed for high blood pressure
and depression.
Pain relievers available over-the-counter, including ibuprofen (Motrin),
and acetaminophen (Tylenol) may provide relief from tension headaches.
Unless otherwise directed by a doctor, the use of pain-relievers for tension
headaches should be limited to 2 days per week. For more severe
headaches, certain prescription medications may be prescribed. These
include the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications naproxen
(Naprosyn) and ketorolac (Toradol). Paroxetine (Paxil) and venlafaxine
(Effexor), are antidepressants that are sometime prescribed to reduce the
severity of chronic tension headache attacks.