What should I do for headache medication side effects?
If you're bothered by side effects, tell your doctor. Your doctor can help by changing any of the following:
- How much medication you take. Sometimes side effects can be stopped or limited by reducing the dose.
- When you take the medication. For instance, you may be better able to cope with drowsiness by taking your medication in the evening.
- How you take the medication. Smaller doses you take more than once a day may be better than one larger dose taken once a day. Or taking your medication with food might offset side effects such as nausea.
- The type of medication. A different medication may be able to stop your headache symptoms with fewer or less severe side effects.
Not all preventive medications have side effects. Also, not everything you feel will be caused by your medication. However, you should tell your doctor right away if you think you're having side effects from your medication.