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Migraines & Headaches Health Center

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Antidepressants and Other Drugs to Treat Headaches

In addition to the traditional headache medications, there are other medications -- 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

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  

 

Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center.

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

Reviewed by Jonathan L Gelfand, MD on January 23, 2008
Edited by Lily Jung, MD on December 01, 2006
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TOPAMAX is approved for migraine prevention in adults only.
TOPAMAX is not used to stop a migraine after it starts.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Serious risks associated with TOPAMAX include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis). Symptoms could include hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing), tiredness, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Call your doctor immediately if you get these symptoms. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease.

Other serious risks include decreased sweating, increased body temperature, kidney stones, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and increased eye pressure (glaucoma). Call your doctor immediately if you have any decrease in vision or eye pain. These problems can lead to blindness if not treated right away.

More common side effects are tingling in arms and legs, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, taste change and weight loss.

Tell your doctor about other medications you take. Please see full U.S. Prescribing Information.

© 2004-2008 Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc. All rights reserved.

WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

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