These headaches are sometimes difficult to treat because many last only 20 to 30 minutes. Useful drugs include --
Ergotamine. This is especially effective for preventing attacks that occur at predictable times.
Oxygen inhalation. Breathing 100% oxygen through a face mask is most beneficial for people under 50 years old who have episodic cluster headaches.
Sumatriptan. The injectable form is effective treatment.
Dihydroergotamine. This drug is taken as an injection.
DRUGS USED TO PREVENT CLUSTER HEADACHES
Most headache specialists focus on preventing cluster headaches by prescribing daily medications that reduce their frequency and severity. These drugs include --
Lithium. This is useful for both episodic and especially chronic cluster headaches.
Methysergide. An ergotamine-like drug that acts as a serotonin antagonist.
Corticosteroids. Prednisone is an example of these agents.
Calcium channel blockers. Verapamil is thought to be effective for cluster headaches.
Atiseizure medications. Divalproex sodium, only in adults.
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