• Over-the-counter medications:
  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, prevent attacks in 20% of migraineurs.  Stronger doses, requiring a prescription, can cut the frequency of attacks in half.
• Beta-blockers:
  These are widely used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems.  They can reduce the frequency of migraines.  But they also have side effects which can result in slowing the heart rate, lower blood pressure, cause tiredness and lower the sex drive.
• Calcium Channel-blockers:
  ( examples- verapamil, diltiazem, nimodipine) They are used mainly to treat heart problems.They are as effective as beta-blockers but can produce similar side effects, with constipation as one potential extra side-effect.
• Anti-seizure medications
  like (valproate) used by people who suffer from epilepsy have been approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) for the prevention of migraines.  Women should not use them if they can get pregnant.
• Antidepressants:
  Antidepressant, particularly the newer selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Paxil, Prozac, can prevent migraines.
• Ergotamine:
  This medication can stop a migraine by constricting or tightening dilated arteries.  But it can be sometimes dangerous for a person with coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or arteriosclerosis. This is also an addictive medication and people can develop a serious dependency of it.
• Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin):
  Taking  400 milligrams a day of vitamin B-2 has been reported to reduce the number of migraine attacks a person suffers.

Migraine Headaches:
Who has them?

Health Byte:
When is a headache
not JUST headache?
by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
There are times when a headache is more than just a pain in the head.  It can be serving as a warning sign for a serious underlying health problem.

Hormone Headache
Headache Relief for Women
more Headache Books
more Personal Health Books
HotFlash Meno Support

more Personal Health Books
HotFlash Meno Support

I'm Not in the Mood : What Every Woman Should Know About Improving Her Libido

by Judith Reichman, MD
also see:
Sexuality
How many times have you turned to your hot in the pants hubby and said "Not tonight honey, I'm not in the mood" ?