What Should I Take for my headaches?

Patients often ask what they should take for their headaches. For the sake of this discussion, we’re going to focus on migraine. Number one, the determination of what to take depends on when the headache occurs. If the headache occurs during the daylight hours and it is often easier to use a milder medication as the headache just begins. If the headache is very severe and awakens you from sleep, then this may require a different method of treatment. If the patient is so severely ill, nauseous and vomiting then oral medicines may not prove to be effective. Often nasal or injectable formulations of medications are needed. If the patient has the headache during the day and it gradually begins, we often use oral medications. This is preferred by patients and it’s often very effective. For more specific detailed information please see the acute treatment section of this website. Also, consider non-pharmacologic, behavioral and preventive therapies or a combination as treatment options. Please review these sections on this website.

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