Which medication is often used for prophylaxis of cluster headaches?

Verapamil is the medication that is often used for the prophylaxis of cluster headaches. This calcium channel blocker is frequently adopted as a first-line treatment due to its effectiveness in reducing the frequency and severity of cluster headache attacks. It works by stabilizing vascular smooth muscle and reducing the cerebral vasodilation that contributes to headache episodes.

Topiramate, while used for various types of headaches, is more commonly acknowledged for migraine prevention and is not the primary choice for cluster headaches. Propranolol, another common migraine prophylactic, is not particularly effective for cluster headaches either. Amitriptyline is primarily utilized for tension-type headaches and migraines rather than cluster headaches. Thus, understanding the specific action of verapamil in the context of cluster headaches solidifies its role as an effective prophylactic treatment in managing this highly painful condition.