Preventive Headache Medicines
Topic Overview
Preventive medicines are used to avoid severe or chronic headaches, such as migraines or cluster headaches. They are not used to treat headaches after they begin.
Examples of preventive medicines are:
- Anticonvulsants.
- Antidepressants.
- Beta-blockers.
- Botulinum toxin.
- Calcium channel blockers.
In order for these medicines to work, you will need to use them exactly as your doctor tells you to. You may need to take them daily even when you do not have a headache. Some people only have to take preventive medicines for a few months. Other people need to take them long-term. Botulinum toxin is given as multiple shots every 12 weeks.
Health Tools
Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.
Related Information
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Current as ofOctober 9, 2017
- Top of Page
Next Section:
Health Tools
Previous Section:
Topic Overview- Top of Page
Next Section:
Related Information
Previous Section:
Health Tools- Top of Page
Next Section:
Credits
Previous Section:
Related Information- Top of Page
Current as of: October 9, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine