headaches depression
Headaches Depression
Its has been long noticed that people who suffer from headaches and migraines may also suffer from depression. It is largely unknown if depression causes migraines, if migraines cause depression, or if there is a common physical factor that will cause the two to co-exist. Regardless of what causes what, having migraines simply increases the chance that at some point you may need to deal with the symptoms of depression.
How do you know if you are depressed?
You may experience negative feelings (see below) for longer than two weeks (unless suffering from bereavement, in which case two months is the standard.)
You feel this way nearly every day and cannot take pleasure from things that normally would make you happy.
Significant weight gain or loss.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
Feeling like you are sluggish or moving in slow motion.
Fatigue
Feeling worthless or guilty
Have trouble concentrating or making decisions
What causes depression?
Like migraines, depression is a condition that begins in the brain. If for whatever reason your brain is not able to make enough or receive enough mood balancing neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine), you may begin to feel symptoms of depression. (Interestingly enough, these are also the same neurotransmitters that many believe may also be responsible for migraine attacks.)
How can migraines and depression be treated?
There are daily prescription medications (anti-depressants) that can be prescribed by your doctor for treatment of depression. As a migraine sufferer you should also know that certain anti-depressants have long been prescribed for the treatment of migraines as well, so for you this treatment could bring double benefits.
There are two categories of antidepressants that are commonly prescribed as migraine medications:
Tricyclics – These medications work by preventing nerve cells in the brain from taking up serotonin and norepinephrine thus leaving greater amounts in circulation.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) – These medications work similarly to the above but differ in that they only block the reuptake of serotonin.
What do I need to know about taking these medications?
Know that any medication which treats depression and migraines is going to take four to six weeks before you see a noticeable effect. Do not try to take more in order to receive a greater or more immediate effect. This will not work and you will likely only risk serotonin overdose.
While these medications may help your depression and your migraines know that there are significant side effects ranging from fatigue, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, among others that you may have to deal with. It is also important to note that if you do become dissatisfied taking antidepressants that you cannot simply stop taking the medication but rather have to taper down gradually to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Finally, if you are taking other prescription medications which affect serotonin levels, such as Triptans (common migraine abortive medication) or herbal supplements like St John’s Wort, then know that you could be risking serotonin sydrome – essentially an overdose of medication. For more information on migraines and serotonin click here.
