WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Seizure medicines for tension headaches

Seizure medicines are drugs that are used to treat seizures and are rarely used to treat daily tension headaches. There is some evidence that the medication divalproex sodium (for example, Depakote) is effective in reducing the frequency and duration of daily tension headaches.1 Divalproex sodium can be used as the only treatment for your tension headaches and may be used safely for a long period of time.

Side effects of seizure medicines can include:

  • Weight gain.
  • Hair loss.
  • Tremor or shakiness.
  • If you are pregnant, neural tube defects in the fetus.

Citations

  1. Freitag FG, et al. (2001). Divalproex in the long-term treatment of chronic daily headaches. Headache, 41: 271–278.

Author Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD
- Internal Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC
- Neurology
Last Updated July 30, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 30, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
@ 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.