Zofran Headaches and Why You May Get Them

A zofran headache is a common side effect of the prescription drug zofran. This drug is used to prevent nausea and vomiting in a variety of patients. It is used a lot with chemotherapy patients and is given post-op to decrease the risk of nausea from anesthesia. It has also been prescribed for severe nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.

But why does the medication cause zofran headaches? We need to look at the way zofran works to understand. It is in a class of drugs called 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. These drugs will block the action of serotonin, which is a chemical found in the brain thought to trigger nausea and vomiting. Zofran will reduce the serotonin, therefore reducing the liklihood of nausea and vomiting.

A headache is thought to begin in the trigeminal nerve, which is located in the brain stem. This nerve carries sensory impulses to and from the face. When stimulated, this nerve will signal the release of serotonin. The serotonin acts as a filter to screen out unimportant signals and will admit signals that demand attention, such as your name being called, a baby’s cry or an unusual sound that could mean danger. The more serotonin present, the greater the screening action. The serotonin will also counteract pain signals in the nerve to reduce headaches. Studies has shown that when given a drug that depletes the serotonin in your brain a headache can result. Since zofran is in the class of drugs that deplete serotonin, it would be reasonable to assume that it could cause a zofran headache.

If you are taking zofran and are having zofran headaches there are a few things that you can do to help. First of all, get plenty of sleep. The more rested you are the better your body may be able to adapt to the medication. Try to maintain a consistent sleep pattern, going to bed and awakening at the same time every day, even on weekends. Drink plenty of fluids to keep well hydrated. Take over the counter headache medicine after taking zofran, if allowed. This may help to counteract the zofran headache. Check with your doctor first to see which headache medicine he recommends.

Zofran has been called a miracle drug by a lot of people, especially people with cancer and pregnant women. It has enabled them to carry on a normal life despite the challenges of their disease or condition. Always make your doctor aware of any side effect that you may be experiencing from your medications. Let him know of any other medications that you may be taking also, including vitamins and herbs. If nausea and vomiting is severe and zofran is the only medication that helps, a zofran headache may be a small price to pay for some relief.