Oxygen : Inhaling 100 percent oxygen through a face mask for 15 minutes as soon as possible after a headache begins can bring relief in up to 80 percent of all cases. Sumatriptan : A drug used to treat migraines that can effectively relieve cluster headaches when injected or given as a nasal spray. Dihydroergotamine (DHE) : Administered by injections or as a nasal spray, DHE can help reduce cluster headache pain by narrowing dilated blood vessels in the head.
Zolmitriptan: Administered as a nasal spray. Verapamil : A calcium channel blocker intended for the treatment of high blood pressure, it is considered the most effective medication for the prevention of cluster headaches. The starting dose is 80 milligrams (mg) three times a day to be increased until it helps.
Regular heart monitoring with electrocardiograms is recommended for patients taking high doses of Verapamil. Prednisone : This steroid drug may be used for three weeks, starting at up to 60 mg for four days and then tapering the dose down. It can be used only once a year because the repeated use of steroids for any purpose carries significant risks.
Lithium carbonate: Used to treat bipolar disorder, this drug may be recommended to help prevent chronic cluster headaches if nothing else has worked. Side effects include tremors, increased thirst, and diarrhea. When taking this drug, you’ll need periodic testing to make sure you’re not developing more serious side effects, including kidney damage.
Melatonin: Some s.
