Some of the Available Headache Pain Treatment Products 

There are four different classes of agents used to treat an individual headache attack. These treatments are often given at the onset of headache pain.

1. Pain killers - (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, opiates/opioids)

2.    Antiemetics - (metoclopramide, prochlorperazine, promethazine)

3.   Ergotamines - (dihydroergotamine, ergotamine)

4.  Triptans - (sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan, rizatriptan)
Other headache pain treatments include combinations of different agents, such as isometheptene or caffeine.

It can be noted that the overuse of most acute medications can lead to increased incidence of headache also known as "rebound headache." Barbiturate hypnotics and opiates are effective in treating headache pain but the overuse of these agents may cause dependency.

Preventive medications are taken on a daily basis. The kinds of medications used for headache prevention include; beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, calcium antagonists, serotonergic agents, ergotamines, methysergide, NSAIDs and alpha2-agonists.

It is also important for the doctor to screen for coexisting medical conditions before initiating treatment for headache. Rescue medications are used when acute medications have proven unsuccessful or have provided insufficient relief.

It is important to know that some rescue medications may be habit-forming, and others may cause drowsiness which may impede driving and work abilities. Medications frequently used as rescue therapy include:

• Opiates
• Barbiturate hypnotics (e.g., butalbital)
• Steroids
• Phenothiazines

Headache medications can be taken:

• orally
• intranasally
• rectally
• subcutaneously (under the skin)
• intramuscularly
• intravenously

It is important to discuss these different delivery systems with the doctor. Using the optimal delivery technique will increase the success of the treatment plan.

New research advances are being made constantly to improve products for treatment of headache.

Within the last decade, a new drug class commonly referred to as the "triptans"-was developed. Continued clinical research is being done to test the efficacy of new acute therapies.

The focus of this new research is to develop a drug that works effectively on those parts of the body specifically involved in headache, while other parts of the body remain unaffected.
What are the other type headache treatments?

There are a number of non-drug treatments that are used successfully in some people to help keep headaches under control throughout the world.  Many of these methods can be used to prevent the onset of headaches, while others are used to treat an actual attack.

Biofeedback therapy.  It electronically monitors the body's senses, such as temperature and muscle tension.

This electronic information is signaled back to the patient. The patient will then try to improve control of muscle tension and body temperature. The goal is to reduce symptoms associated with headache, such as muscle tension and eventually reduce the frequency and severity of headache attacks.

A trained clinical psychologist or biofeedback technician administers biofeedback.

Cognitive therapy. The process where people learn to control their thoughts. Psychologists and other health-care professionals who practice cognitive therapy help people reduce negative thought processes.

Cognitive behavioral training may help sufferers gain stress-management skills, self-coping skills, and other tools that will help control their responses to situations which might trigger a headache.

For many, the frequency and severity of headaches may actually be a signal of how hectic and stressful life may be for them. Sometimes, the treatment products do not solve any of these headache problems. This is where lifestyle changes come in. It can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.