From the Research
Climax headaches can be effectively managed with preventive medications such as indomethacin, propranolol, or triptans, and prophylactic treatments like beta-blockers, topiramate, and calcium channel blockers, as well as newer CGRP-targeted therapies, according to the most recent review of the literature 1.
Treatment Options
- Preventive medications taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity:
- Indomethacin (25-50mg)
- Propranolol (40mg)
- Triptans like sumatriptan (50-100mg)
- Daily preventive medications for regular occurrences:
- Propranolol (20-40mg twice daily)
- Verapamil (80-120mg three times daily)
- Topiramate (25-100mg daily)
- Relief during an attack:
- Ibuprofen (400-600mg)
- Acetaminophen (1000mg)
Importance of Medical Evaluation
These headaches typically result from blood vessel dilation or muscle contraction during sexual excitement, but it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for the first episode or if headaches are severe, sudden, or accompanied by neurological symptoms, as they could rarely indicate serious conditions like aneurysm or hemorrhage 1.
Prevention and Management
Staying hydrated, avoiding sexual activity during headache-prone periods, and managing stress may help prevent these headaches, and a thorough workup including imaging should be conducted to rule out etiologies such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, reversible cerebral vasoconstrictive syndrome (RCVS), vasospasm, and dissection 1.