Headache

Tension Headaches

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

Your doctor may prescribe drugs to prevent as well as to treat tension-type headaches.

Drugs that may help prevent tension headaches include:

• Tricyclic Antidepressants -- Antidepressant drugs have analgesic or pain-relief qualities. Although you may not be depressed, your doctor may prescribe drugs such as amitriptyline or doxepin to help reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches.

• Beta-blockers -- A drug such as propranolol may be combined with an antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, to prevent chronic daily headaches.

• Divalproex Sodium -- This drug is used to treat chronic daily headache, including chronic tension-type headaches.

Drugs prescribed to treat the pain of tension headaches include:

• Nonprescription Pain Relievers -- These are usually adequate to relieve mild to moderate pain. They include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen.

• Combination Pain Relievers -- The use of these drugs is limited, because overuse can worsen the headache pattern and over time can become habit forming. These drugs often contain butalbital, a barbiturate, or narcotics combined with aspirin or acetaminophen.

If your doctor prescribes medication, be sure to ask for the following information:

• How often the medication should be taken
• If the medication should be taken with meals or on an empty stomach
• What to do if pain or other symptoms persist

Your doctor may schedule follow-up visits to determine if the treatment is effective.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007