Manage Stress-Related Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common reasons for a visit to the doctor or emergency room. Tension or stress-related headaches produce the most common type of headache pain. They occur most commonly in adulthood, between 20 and 50 years of age, although many persons experience their first tension headache before turning 20. Stress is one trigger of tension headaches. Depression and anxiety can also be a cause. The pain is often described as a dull pressure, or tightness around the head.

 Persons who experience tension headaches may benefit from  methods to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques. Medications are available over-the-counter (OTC) and with a prescription to treat tension headaches. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications that are available. Excedrin containing a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine  may be used. If OTC medications do not work in relieving pain, NSAIDs are available with a prescription, such as naproxen (Naprosyn) and indomethacin (Indocin). If headaches occur frequently (2 or more times per week), a tricyclic antidepressant, such as nortriptyline (Pamelor), may be prescribed for headache prevention. It may take a few weeks before this type of medication shows benefit.