Corticosteroids for cluster headaches
Corticosteroids (such as prednisone or dexamethasone) are referred to as "transitional" medicines for the treatment of cluster headaches because they are sometimes used to break a cycle of cluster headaches. They are paired with medicines that stop (abortive) or prevent (prophylactic) additional headaches during a headache cycle. Often, within 2 to 4 days after starting treatment with corticosteroids, you will become headache-free. By the time the corticosteroids are stopped—their use is often tapered within 6 to 8 weeks of starting and then discontinued—the medicines used to prevent cluster headaches, such as verapamil, have taken effect.
Corticosteroids are not used over a long period of time because they can cause serious side effects, including:
- Weight gain.
- High blood pressure.
- High blood sugar levels.
- Cataracts.
- Osteoporosis.
- Stomach ulcers.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
| Author: | Douglas Dana Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: May 28, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology | |
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