I have chronic headaches and migraines. That was a fun time with the doctors!
I had chronic headaches for as long as I can remember and kept taking 1000 mg of ibuprofen 3x a day until it started bothering my stomach. Started seeing a neurologist who had me take an MRI [which sucked.] The ran tests... then experimented on TONS of different meds to see what would help. Started Topomax which almost made me lose my job..
"numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet

slowed reactions

difficulty concentrating

speech problems, especially difficulty thinking of specific words

memory problems

lack of coordination

confusion

nervousness

aggressive behavior

irritability

mood swings

depression

headache

drowsiness

weakness

excessive movement

uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

uncontrollable eye movements

extreme thirst

weight loss

constipation

diarrhea

gas

heartburn

change in ability to taste food

swelling of the tongue

overgrowth of the gums

dry mouth

increased saliva

trouble swallowing

nosebleed

teary or dry eyes

back, muscle, or bone pain

missed menstrual periods

excessive menstrual bleeding

skin problems or changes in skin color

dandruff

hair loss

growth of hair in unusual places

ringing in the ears

difficulty falling or staying asleep

swelling of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs

difficulty urinating or pain when urinating"

Everything in red was my side effect, you can see I had some troubles.
I stopped that med myself and she even tried some anti-depressants known to aid headaches/migraines. Nothing would work. Finally I gave up as I grew sick of seeing her every week and paying so much money. I stopped all meds and said heck with it.
SO, I take Maxalt for migraines <---seriously cures all pain, it is great but it also has side effects.... like big risk of strokes. But when pain is so bad you can't function I'll take that risk.
I pay attention to foods that could trigger headaches. I make sure get 8 hrs of sleep and try to fit in naps on my days off. I make sure I eat every 2 hrs, thats a big trigger, being hungry. I quit drinking which also helps, lol. My nightshift job is nothing I can change, but I take 800mg of ibuprofen as soon as I feel a headache "cluster" coming on. A cluster is where I get a headache for three weeks-3months on end with no stopping. It f__king sucks.
Good luck!