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Pharmacotherapy and Lifestyle Interventions for Tension-Type Headaches

University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy, Laramie, Wyoming, tmwoods{at}uwyo.edu

Kaelen C. Dunican, PharmD

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences-Worcester/Manchester, Worcester, Massachusetts

Alicia R. Desilets, PharmD

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences-Worcester/Manchester, Worcester, Massachusetts

The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacotherapy and lifestyle interventions for tension-type headaches. Literature was obtained through a MEDLINE (1966 to April 2008) search and a bibliographic review of published articles. Key terms searched included tension-type headaches, chronic tension-type headaches, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle therapy. The search was further limited to the English language. Tension-type headaches are the most common and least studied primary headache disorder. These headaches are characterized by mild to moderate bilateral pain that is described as dull, aching, and bandlike. Episodic tension-type headaches may be treated with mild analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen; although treatment should be individualized, data suggest that NSAIDs may be considered first line. Chronic and frequent episodic tension-type headaches often require prophylactic therapy. Although tricyclic antidepressants are considered the drugs of choice for chronic tension-type headaches, preliminary trials with venlafaxine, mirtazapine, tizanidine, and topiramate have shown promise. Lifestyle interventions such as physical therapy, behavioral therapy, and acupuncture are often employed, despite the lack of sound clinical evidence to support their use. Preliminary data support the combination of a tricyclic antidepressant and behavioral therapy for chronic tension-type headache.

Key Words: tension-type headache • pharmacotherapy • lifestyle interventions

This version was published on May 1, 2009

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Vol. 3, No. 3, 238-248 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1559827608331168


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