Other antidepressants

Bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban), trazodone (Deseryl), and venlafaxine (Effexor) have all been shown to be effective in preventing both migraine and tension-type headaches in small studies. Since they are antidepressants, they may also have beneficial effect on mood, appetite, and memory. All three of the drugs take two to four weeks to become effective, so you should take them for at least two months to find out if they are effective.

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Bupropion. Before taking the drug, notify your doctor if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders. Common side effects include insomnia, excitement or anxiety, nightmares, dry mouth, and changes in appetite or weight. Less common side effects include drowsiness, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, constipation, blurred vision, or excessive sweating. If you experience a rash, seizures or tremors, or loss of coordination or loss of consciousness, call your doctor immediately. This generally does not occur at low doses.

Trazodone. Common side effects include drowsiness (so best to take it at bedtime), nausea (which can be avoided by taking the medicine with food), diarrhea, excitement or anxiety, insomnia, nightmares, dry mouth (chewing sugarless gum or candy will help prevent this), increased sensitivity to sunlight, changes in appetite or weight, and sexual dysfunction. If you develop a rash, call your doctor. If you are a male, notify your doctor if you develop a prolonged or inappropriate erection.

Venlafaxine. Before taking the drug, tell your doctor if you have cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, a history of seizures, or bipolar disorder or if you have recently had a heart attack. Side effects are common during the first two weeks of treatment, then they usually subside. Common side effects include nausea (which can be avoided by taking the medicine with food), drowsiness (so best to take it at bedtime), excitement or anxiety, increased sensitivity to sunlight, changes in appetite or weight, sexual dysfunction, and constipation.