Learn More: Headache Center
Preventive (Prophylactic) Headache Medications
Take the RealAge Headache Assessment for personalized recommendations to treat your symptoms.
The goal of preventive (prophylactic) treatment is to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of headache symptoms. Preventive treatment is advised for individuals whose headaches have the following profile:
- two to three headaches per month
- headaches that last more than 48 hours
- treatment that is inadequate or has undesirable side effects
- extended aura period
- headache attacks that are psychologically damaging
Preventive treatments can include drugs, herbals, minerals, and nonpharmacological treatments. Many medications are used as preventive treatments for headache:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Beta-blockers
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Calcium channel blockers
- Serotonin antagonists
- Anticonvulsants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
