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OVERVIEW OF PREVENTATIVE DRUGS


BETA-BLOCKERS

GENERIC NAMES
BRAND NAMES
propranolol (tablets, capsules, solution)Inderal; Propranolol Hydrochloride Solution
timolol (tablets)Blocadren
atenolol (tablets)Tenormin
metoprolol (tablets)Lopressor
nadolol (tablets)Corgard


WHAT DO BETA-BLOCKERS DO?

Beta-blockers reduce the number of migraine and tension-type headaches.

HOW ARE BETA-BLOCKERS TAKEN?

Beta-blockers are taken in tablet or capsule form. Propranolol can be taken by oral solution. Tablets and capsules should be taken whole -- not crushed, broken, or chewed before swallowing. Ask your physician about checking your pulse rate while taking these drugs because of their effect on blood pressure. Important: Never stop beta-blockers without first talking to your physician. Your physician may gradually reduce the dose to prevent unwanted side effects from abruptly stopping the drug.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible � unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?

Some patients report side effects, including -- WHEN SHOULD I CALL MY PHYSICIAN

Call your physician if you have trouble breathing, cold hands and/or feet, depression, a slow heartbeat, or swelling of your ankles, feet, or lower legs.

Before having any kind of surgery or emergency medical treatment, notify the physician in charge that you are taking a beta-blocker.

ARE THERE DRUGS I SHOULDN'T TAKE WITH BETA-BLOCKERS?

If you are also using certain other medications, your physician may need to adjust your dosage of these drugs or take other precautions. Always tell your physician if you are taking other drugs.

ANTIDEPRESSANTS

GENERIC NAMES
BRAND NAMES
Tricyclic Antidepressants
amitriptylineElavil, Endep
doxepinAdapin, Sinequan
nortriptylinePamelor, Aventyl HCL Pulvules
protriptylineVivactil
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
FluoxetineProzac
ParoxetinePaxil
SertralineZoloft


WHY ARE ANTIDEPRESSANTS TAKEN?

Antidepressants reduce the number of migraine headaches experienced.

HOW ARE ANTIDEPRESSANTS TAKEN?



WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?

Side effects of these medications may include -- WHEN SHOULD I CALL MY PHYSICIAN?

Call your physician if you develop blurred vision, confusion, difficulty speaking or swallowing, eye pain, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, loss of balance control, difficulty urinating, trembling, or limb stiffness.

ARE THERE DRUGS I SHOULDN'T TAKE WITH ANTIDEPRESSANTS?

Certain drugs may interact with antidepressants. If you are also using these medications, your physician may want to adjust your dosage or take other precautions. Always tell your physician what other drugs you are taking.

CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS

GENERIC NAMES
BRAND NAMES
verapamilnifedipine
diltiazemCardizem
nifedipineAdalat, Procardia


WHAT DO CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS DO?

Calcium channel blockers reduce the number of migraine headaches experienced.

HOW ARE CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS TAKEN?

These medications are available in tablet or capsule form. Tablets and capsules should be taken whole, not crushed, broken, or chewed, before swallowing. Important: Never stop calcium channel blockers without your physician's approval. Your physician may gradually reduce the dose to prevent unwanted side effects.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible -- unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?

Side effects of this medication may include -- SEROTONIN ANTAGONISTS

GENERIC NAMES
BRAND NAMES
methysergideSansert


WHAT DO SEROTONIN ANTAGONISTS DO?

Serotonin antagonists reduce the number of migraine headaches experienced.

HOW ARE SEROTONIN ANTAGONISTS TAKEN?

Methysergide, a member of the ergot alkaloid group of drugs, is available in tablet form. If it upsets your stomach, it may be taken with meals or milk. Take this medicine only as directed by your physician. To prevent unwanted effects, the drug is usually discontinued every 6 months for a period of 1 to 2 months, as directed.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?

Side effects of this medication may include --

WHEN SHOULD I CALL MY PHYSICIAN?

Call your physician if the dose prescribed does not decrease the frequency of your headaches.

In addition, call your physician if you have chest pain, tingling extremities, difficulty urinating or a large increase in urine output, fever or chills, a change in skin color, leg cramps or pain in the limbs, groin, lower back, or side. Are there drugs I shouldn't take with serotonin antagonists? Certain prescription and nonprescription drugs may interact with methysergide. If you are using other medications, your physician may need to adjust your dosage or take other precautions. Always tell your physician what other drugs you are taking, and if you smoke.

ANTISEIZURE MEDICATION

GENERIC NAMES
BRAND NAMES
divalproex sodium (tablets/capsules)Depakote; Depakote Sprinkle


WHAT DOES DIVALPROEX SODIUM DO?

Divalproex sodium reduces the number of migraine headaches experienced.

HOW IS DIVALPROEX SODIUM TAKEN?

This medication is taken orally in tablet form. Swallow the tablet whole, without chewing or breaking. This medicine must be taken exactly as directed by your physician. Divalproex may be taken with meals or snacks to reduce stomach upset. The dose of divalproex sodium may differ from person to person. Your physician will work with you to establish the most effective dosage for the prevention of migraine. Children less than 10 years of age should not be given divalproex sodium for headache because of the potential for serious liver complications.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?

WHEN SHOULD I CALL MY PHYSICIAN?

Check with your physician if you have abdominal or stomach cramps, a change in menstrual cycle or pattern, diarrhea, noticeable hair loss, trembling of hands and/or arms, unusual weight loss or gain, indigestion or loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting.

Although these reactions are rare, contact your physician if you find yourself becoming clumsy, unsteady, or dizzy. Also, tell your physician if you have become irritable, restless, or drowsy, or if your headaches increase in frequency. Contact your physician immediately if you develop a rash.

ARE THERE DRUGS I SHOULDN'T TAKE WITH DIVALPROEX?

Taking aspirin while taking divalproex sodium may increase your risk of side effects associated with divalproex sodium, such as tiredness or weakness. Chlorpromazine, which is used in emergency room situations for migraine attacks, can also increase the side effects of divalproex sodium.

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