The Mayo Clinic says that a cluster headache refers to a type of headache that occurs frequently and in clusters. Its symptoms include restlessness, a sharp or burning pain on one side of the head, pain in or around the eye, excessive tearing, pale skin and a drooping eyelid. Other symptoms of a cluster headache include a stuffy or runny nose on the affected side. Fortunately, drugs for cluster headaches exist to temper these symptoms.
Sumatriptan
Sumatriptan, commonly sold as Imitrex, is an effective medication used to manage cluster headaches. According to MedlinePlus, sumatriptan belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists. It basically works to constrict the blood vessels located in the head to prevent a cluster headache from occurring.
Sumatriptan's common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, flushing, drowsiness and nasal irritation. Other side effects of sumatriptan include a tingling feeling, warmth, stomach problems and muscle cramps. Notify a doctor when sumatriptan's effects remain for more than one week.
Sumatriptan's serious side effects include a fast heartbeat, chest or throat pain or tightness, visual changes, trouble breathing, a skin rash and swelling of the lips, eyelids or face. Go to the local emergency room when sumatriptan leads to these effects.
An alteration in sumatriptan's dose may be needed when taking such medications as citalopram, fluoxetine, escitalopram, paroxetine and sertraline.
Sumatriptan is available as a regular tablet, nasal spray and injection. Take this medication as the doctor indicates.
Dihydroergotamine
Dihydroergotamine, commonly sold as D.H.E 45 or Migranal, is another medication used to manage cluster headaches. MedlinePlus says that this drug is an ergot alkaloid. It also constricts the blood vessels in the brain.
Dihydroergotamine's common side effects include vomiting, dizziness, nosebleeds, extreme fatigue and weakness. Other common side effects of dihydroergotamine include tingling of the throat or nose, stomach problems and extreme fatigue. Notify a physician when dihydroergotamine's common effects remain for more than five to seven days.
Dihydroergotamine's serious side effects include swelling, slow or difficult speech, leg or arm weakness, chest pain and slowing of the heart rate. Its other serious effects include faintness, dizziness, tingling of the fingers or toes and itching. Notify a physician immediately when dihydroergotamine causes these effects.
An alteration in dihydroergotamine's dose may be necessary when taking such medications as bromocriptine, ergotamine, rizatriptan, danazol and diltiazem.
Dihydroergotamine is available as a nasal spray and as an injection. Use this medication as needed or as a physician indicates.
Octreotide
The Mayo Clinic says that octreotide, commonly sold as Sandostatin or Sandostatin LAR Depot, is another medication that can be taken to relieve cluster headaches. Octreotide works to lower the hormones insulin and glucagon involved with regulating blood sugar. It also reduces growth hormone levels. It is unclear how this drug works to reduce cluster headaches.
Drugs.com says that octreotide's common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain or gas and diarrhea. Notify a physician when octreotide's common effects remain for more than five to seven days.
Octreotide's serious effects include a slow or irregular heartbeat, gallbladder problems, thyroid problems and low blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, a tremor, nausea and sweating. Octreotide can also lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Signs of pancreatitis include vomiting, nausea, bloating, upper stomach pain, back pain and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Call a physician immediately when octreotide leads to these side effects.
A change in octreotide's dose may be necessary when suffering from such diseases as heart disease, thyroid problems, diabetes, gallbladder disease, kidney disease and pancreatitis.
Octreotide is an injection that should be taken as needed or as a doctor indicates.
