Preventive treatments are used to reduce the frequency and intensity of cluster headaches and improve the person's quality of life. Preventive drugs include:
Blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers
Antidepressants
Anticonvulsants
Periactin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Naprosyn
Sansert
Calan, Verelan, Covera-HS
Eskalith, Lithane, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs
Surgeries including nerve blocks, ablative neurosurgical procedures and radiosurgery have helped some people with cluster headaches. Nerve blocks involve the injection of pain medicine into or around a nerve or the spine. Ablative neurosurgical procedures are operations that involve the removal or destruction of a part of the brain, the spinal cord, or a nerve. Radiosurgery, a type of surgery that uses radiant energy and does not involve cutting, recently has been used to provide a less invasive alternative for people who have persistent cluster headaches.
Some people with cluster headaches have been helped by alternative or complementary therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, and herbal remedies.
Prednisilone(Prednisone)
This is a steroid medication that is taken initially in high doses, then tapered over days to weeks, depending on the response. This medication is best if used for short periods of time, as long term steroid use is associated with many complications.
Lithium carbonate
This medication is taken orally, usually twice a day in order to interrupt the cluster. Laboratory testing including lithium levels should be followed closely. Side effects include tremor, increased thirst and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Verapamil
This is a medication that can also be effective in migraine. It can be taken twice daily in a sustained oral preparation. Side effects include dizziness and constipation.
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