Taking over-the-counter medications such as naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are often effective at treating chronic tension headaches. The problem is that they can also cause side effects. For example, in rare cases, taking the latter in high doses or for extended time periods can cause serious damage to your liver.
Prescription Drug Options
Prescription NSAIDs such as and ketorolac tromethamine (Torodol), indomethacin (Indocin) and naproxen (Naprelan, Naprosyn) are available. Possible side effects include constipation, ulcers, stomach bleeding, nausea, stomach or abdominal pain or diarrhea. Usually taking the drugs with milk or right after eating can eliminate or minimize these side effects.
Opioids
Opioids such as flurbiprofen (Ansaid), fenoprofen (Nalfon), morphine, and meperidine are sometimes prescribed to treat tension headaches. Make sure to avoid taking any type of analgesic that may be habit-forming if you suffer from tension-type headaches.
Possible Alternatives
Some patients find that biofeedback techniques are effective, whereas others prefer to take anti-emetics such as prochlorperazine, ergots such as dihydroergotamine or ergotamine or barbituates such as butalbital to treat their chronic tension headaches. Muscle relaxants such as soma or flexeril is another option. Even though they do not actually relax the skeletal muscles, they are analgesics that relieve pain by affecting your brain.
Combination Treatment Options
Some medications combine a sedative drug like butalbital or caffeine with acetaminophen or aspirin. For example, Excedrin combines caffeine with aspirin and acetaminophen. Many times, this combination of drugs works better to manage headaches than taking only analgesics.
Brand Name Medications
Brand name drugs such as Midrin, Migrex or Amidrine can be used to manage tension headaches. Ones that combine a sedative with acetaminophen or aspirin require a prescription, but others are available over the counter. However, never take them more than once a day every week and without consulting your doctor, as they can become addictive and cause chronic daily headaches.
Natural Treatment Options
There are also many natural treatment options available instead of taking drugs. For example, you can eat magnesium-rich foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals, legumes and leafy dark green vegetables.
