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Suggest Treatment For Tension Headache

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Posted on Sat, 30 Aug 2014
Question: This is the second day I have had a tension headache. NWhen i relax it tends to improve, but that aspirin doesn't seem to help. I'm on blood pressure medication so I can't take Motrin. Any feedback you can give me be appreciated.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Confirm your blood pressure drugs...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Motrin (ibuprofen) and aspirin (at 650mg) have similar drug actions and interactions as they belong to the same class of drug. A low dose aspirin (lower than 300mg) is used with antihypertensive for its antiplatelet action. Therefore at 650mg (which is given for pain relief), the actions and interactions are mostly similar. So please confirm the blood pressure medications which you are on, I shall give you the alternatively.

On other thoughts, you may use excedrin instead. It contains paracetamol, aspirin and low dose caffeine which are excellent headache relieving agents. The drugs however should not be used every day.

If you have tension headaches every day, discuss about using prophylactic drugs. Some class of SSRI such as paroxetine or fluoxetine are helpful in controlling both anxiety and tension headaches.

Hope this helps.

Regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (7 hours later)
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you so much for getting back to me. To answer your question about my BP medications, I'm taking Hydroclorothiazide, labetalol, and lisinopril (and one baby asipirin/day). For anxiety/depression I take a very low dose of clonazapam as needed foy the anxiety (.5mg). My SSRI's include a combo of prozac and wellbutrin (both, the name brand --generics didn't work well for me).
Best,
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Prozac dose adjusted to treat headache

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

NSAID medications like ibuprofen is reported to interfere with thiazide and lisinopril. However clinically this interference is not significant with once in a while use for pain relief. You may try with excedrin if you still have this ache. Motoring can be added if excedrin is ineffective.

Having said that, if the headaches are very frequent you should try prophylaxis. I suggest discussing about using Prozac for the same purpose.

Hope this helped.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Prasad J

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3708 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Tension Headache

Brief Answer: Confirm your blood pressure drugs... Detailed Answer: Hi, Motrin (ibuprofen) and aspirin (at 650mg) have similar drug actions and interactions as they belong to the same class of drug. A low dose aspirin (lower than 300mg) is used with antihypertensive for its antiplatelet action. Therefore at 650mg (which is given for pain relief), the actions and interactions are mostly similar. So please confirm the blood pressure medications which you are on, I shall give you the alternatively. On other thoughts, you may use excedrin instead. It contains paracetamol, aspirin and low dose caffeine which are excellent headache relieving agents. The drugs however should not be used every day. If you have tension headaches every day, discuss about using prophylactic drugs. Some class of SSRI such as paroxetine or fluoxetine are helpful in controlling both anxiety and tension headaches. Hope this helps. Regards