Seizure medicines for tension headaches

Seizure medicines are drugs that are used to treat seizures and are rarely used to treat daily tension headaches. There is some evidence that the medication divalproex sodium (for example, Depakote) is effective in reducing the frequency and duration of daily tension headaches.¹ Divalproex sodium can be used as the only treatment for your tension headaches and may be used safely for a long period of time.

Side effects of seizure medicines can include:

• Weight gain.
• Hair loss.
• Tremor or shakiness.
• If you are pregnant, neural tube defects in the fetus.

Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: July 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
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