Headaches and migraines are incredibly common, affecting millions of people worldwide.
In Australia alone, it’s estimated that 4.9 million people suffer from migraines, while tension-type headaches affect even more.
When faced with that all-too-familiar throbbing pain, most people’s first instinct is to reach for medication. There’s a wide array of drugs designed to ease the pain, but are they really the best solution in the long run?
As a headache clinician at the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic, I’ve seen countless patients who rely heavily on medications to manage their symptoms, only to experience diminishing returns or, worse, side effects that leave them feeling worse off.
In this article, you will learn 4 fundamental items – 1. Common medications for headaches and migraines 2. How do medications work 3. Side effects of medication 4. Long term management without medication.
Common Medications for Headaches and Migraines
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
- Paracetamol (Panadol)
- Ibuprofen (Nurofen)
- Aspirin
Triptans
- Sumatriptan (Imigran)
- Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
Ergots
- Ergotamine (Cafergot)
Preventative Medications
- Beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol)
- Antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline)
- Anti-seizure medications (e.g., Topiramate)
How Medications Work
Most headache and migraine medications work by either:
- Reducing inflammation (pain relievers like ibuprofen)
- Narrowing blood vessels (triptans and ergots)
- Affecting neurotransmitters or nerve pathways (preventative drugs)
While these mechanisms can provide temporary relief, they often don’t address the root cause of the headaches, such as triggers like weather change, particular food, poor posture, stress, or issues with the neck and spine—areas we focus on with our non-invasive Watson Headache Approach.
The Hidden Costs: Side Effects
Medications, while effective in the short term, come with side effects that can accumulate with frequent use:
Short-term side effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
Long-term side effects
- Rebound headaches (from overuse of painkillers)
- Dependency on medication
- Increased risk of heart problems or stroke (especially with frequent use of triptans or ergots)
- Digestive issues (from NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin)
Why Medications May Not Be a Viable Long-term Solution
One of the biggest concerns with relying on medications for headache and migraine relief is the risk of “medication overuse headaches.”
This condition occurs when pain relievers or migraine-specific drugs are taken too frequently, resulting in more headaches over time rather than fewer. It’s a vicious cycle that many patients unknowingly fall into.
Furthermore, these drugs can mask the real underlying causes of headaches and migraines.
Instead of addressing factors like neck joint dysfunction or stress, medications may only provide temporary relief, often leading patients to a dead end where they feel like they have no option but to keep medicating.
What Can You Do Instead?
At the Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic, we focus on getting to the root cause of headaches and migraines.
Our non-invasive Watson Headache Approach has helped countless patients achieve long-lasting relief—without relying on medications.
By targeting the upper cervical spine and addressing the real triggers, many of our patients have experienced significant improvements without the risk of side effects.
Take the Next Step
If you’re tired of reaching for medications that only offer temporary relief, we’re here to help. Call us at 1800 432 322 to or book an appointment online and discover how our approach can provide lasting results, naturally.
In the end, while medications can offer relief, they shouldn’t be the cornerstone of your treatment. Let’s explore more sustainable, non-invasive solutions together!
Written by:
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). Migraine in Australia: Prevalence and impact. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/migraine-in-australia
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Migraine: Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360207
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Headache: Hope through research. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Headache-Hope-Through-Research
Dodick, D. W. (2018). Migraine. The Lancet, 391(10127), 1315-1330.
Silberstein, S. D. (2004). Preventive treatment of migraine. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 44(9), 783-793.
