Hi & Welcome. For the effective treatment of occipital neuralgia, following medications can be used. Carbamazepine, Gabapentine or Pregablin act by reducing the neuronal impulses (pain sensation) are commonly prescribed as the initial treatment. Sometimes you may also need anti-inflammatory drugs, like Naproxen or Ibuprofen. If you are not relieved with them too, your neurologist might resort to occipital nerve block and steroid shots. It may take two to three shots over several weeks to get control of your pain. Besides medications, you need to avoid triggers like frequent hair combing. Then, try warm moist heat application in the area of pain. Hope these answer your query.