Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Migraines & Headaches Health Center

Select An Article
Font Size
A
A
A

Antidepressants and Other Drugs to Prevent Headaches

In addition to the traditional headache medications, there are other drugs -- like antidepressants -- that may be prescribed to reduce the severity and frequency of your headaches.

Generic Name Brand Name Use Possible Side Effects
Amytriptyline Elavil Prevention of tension headaches Fatigue, dry mouth, weight gain, constipation, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Older adults also may experience confusion or faintness.
Desipramine Norpramin Prevention of tension headaches Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, weakness, weight gain
Doxepin Sinequan Prevention of tension headaches Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, weakness, weight loss
Imipramine Tofranil Prevention of tension headaches Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, weakness, weight gain
Nortryptiline Pamelor Prevention of tension headaches Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased appetite, nausea, tiredness, weakness, weight gain
Protryptiline Vivactil Prevention of tension headaches Dry mouth, weight gain, constipation

Other Antidepressants Used in Headache Prevention

Prozac Prevention of tension headaches Nausea, dry mouth, increased appetite, agitation
Serzone Prevention of tension headaches Blurred vision, lightheadedness, clumsiness, ringing in the ears, skin rash, itching
Paxil Prevention of tension headaches Fatigue, weight gain
Zoloft Prevention of tension headaches Insomnia, restlessness
Effexor Prevention of tension headaches Vision changes, decrease in sexual desire or ability, headaches
Celexa Prevention of tension headaches  
Lexapro Prevention of tension headaches  
Deseryl Prevention of tension headaches Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea and vomiting, unpleasant taste
Wellbutrin Prevention of tension headaches Agitation, anxiety, buzzing or ringing in ears, skin rash, hives, itching
Phenelzine Prevention of tension headaches  

 

 

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on April 19, 2012
Next Article:

Today in Migraines & Headaches

Headache Triggers Slideshow
Slideshow
depressed woman with headache
Slideshow
 
Woman with headache making face
Tool
mother holding her head
Article
 
Foods Trigger Migraines
Video
Hands reaching for medicine
Article
 
Migraines Headaches Basics
Article
acupuncture needles in woman's back
Slideshow
 
Hormones Headaches
Articles
cup of coffee
Video
 
Sinusitis
Slideshow
headache in the bedroom
Article
 

Special Sections