1. Antipyrine 25 grains Citrate of Caffeine 10 grains Bromide of Potash 25 grains
Mix and make into five powders. One powder as needed. (You might take second one in three hours.) This is not good when it is bilious sick headache. In fact, it would make it worse. It is good for sick headache and neuralgia due to eye or nerve strain, but then the first remedy, antipyrine, can be left out. It is not needed. I would then put twice as much of the bromide of potash, fifty grains, and take a powder every two hours until better.
2. Citrate of Caffeine 1/2 dram (30 grains)
Phenacetine 60 grains
Bicarbonate of soda 60 grains
Aromatic powder 12 grains
Mix and make twelve powders. Take one every three hours. This is good. Sometimes it is depressing on the heart for some people, due to the phenacetine. Acetanilid can be substituted in same dose.
(The homeopathic treatment is very successful in relieving spells of sick headache. See chapter on Homeopathy.)
3. Sodium Phosphate, taken every morning, about one-half to one teaspoonful in hot water. It is good for the bowels and liver.
4. Prescription for the Liver and Bowels in Sick Headache.—
Sulphate of soda 30 grains
Salicylate of soda 10 grains
Sulphate of Magnesia 1 grain
Benzoate of Lithia 5 grains
Tincture of Nux Vomica 3 minims
Distilled water 4 ounces
This mixture should be made up in large quantity and placed in a siphon by one of the concerns which charge soda water, and from one-quarter to one-half a glass of this water, at ordinary temperature, is to be taken every morning at least one-half an hour before breakfast; enough being taken to insure an adequate bowel movement during the forenoon. This ought to be a good combination to use regularly.