Intense debilitating headaches, termed migraines, have a profound effect on everyday life. The National Headache Foundation indicates that personal relationships, jobs and daily habits are adversely affected by constant migraines. According to the National Migraine Association, “migraine and depression have a definite link--47 percent of migraineurs experience clinical depression as opposed to just 17 percent of the general population.”
Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is commonly prescribed for short-term treatment of various forms of depression and to prevent chronic nerve pain. Frequent side effects reported include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, weight gain and dizziness. Alcoholic beverages will increase the severity of side effects. This medication interacts with MAO inhibitors and phenobarbital.
Citalopram
Citalopram acts as a migraine preventive, antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication. Citalopram inhibits serotonin reuptake. This medicine may cause drowsiness, confusion and slow movement. Make sure that you know how you react to this drug before driving or using any machine.
Amoxapine and Trimipramine
Amoxapine and trimipramine are prescribed to treat chronic nerve pain and depression and to prevent migraines. Common side effects reported include dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, nausea, blurred vision, weight gain and headache. Elderly people should be especially careful of falls due to dizziness. Although most migraine sufferers benefit from this medication, amoxapine and trimipramine could magnifying headaches. This medication interacts with MAO inhibitors.
Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant and relieves general anxiety. Venlafaxine relieves depression symptoms, such as feelings of sadness and worthlessness; changes in appetite; tiredness; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide. Venlafaxine may increase the risk of seizures, high or low blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver disease, blurred vision, decreased sexual desire and weight loss. This medication interacts with tryptophan, moclobemide and MAO inhibitors.
