When it comes to concussion treatment, medications often seem like the obvious go-to. But the reality? Pharmacological management is one of the least understood and least studied aspects of concussion care (1). Despite years of research and dozens of clinical trials, there is still no approved medication that treats the concussion injury itself (2).
“To date, no therapeutic drugs have been approved for treatment of acute TBI…despite nearly 30 large, randomized, controlled clinical trials over the past two decades.” (2)
Why? Because no two concussions are alike. Symptoms vary widely between individuals, and many resolve on their own with time, rest, and proper care. So it becomes hard to say whether improvement came from the medication, or simply the body doing what it does best: heal.
This article explores:
Concussions can impact nearly every system in the body. Common symptoms include:
Every person experiences a different mix of symptoms. And because no two brains are wired the same, the path to recovery is rarely linear.
There is currently no evidence that medication speeds up brain recovery after a concussion (1). However, medications can be helpful in managing the symptoms that make daily life difficult, especially in those with prolonged or persistent post-concussion symptoms.
In some cases, clinicians may even treat related issues like anxiety, depression, or insomnia – but again, this targets the symptoms, not the root injury.
There is growing interest in using certain drugs “off-label” for concussion symptom management, such as amantadine (used in Parkinson’s), which may help with dopamine regulation and cognitive symptoms (2).
That said, it’s important to remember: medications often mask symptoms rather than address the underlying causes. Without tackling the root drivers – like autonomic dysregulation, vestibular or visual dysfunction, and neuroinflammation – true recovery can be delayed.
In 70–80% of concussions, symptoms resolve naturally within 7–10 days without medication.
But in those with symptoms lasting longer than 30 days, medications may be an option to help reduce symptom burden – especially when:
Two key questions clinicians often ask before prescribing medication:
Every medication comes with potential side effects. Introducing unnecessary meds too early or for the wrong reasons can add new symptoms to an already complex recovery.
Moreover, many medications prescribed for post-concussion symptoms have side effects that closely mimic concussion symptoms themselves. For example:
This symptom overlap can cloud the diagnostic picture, making it harder for both patients and clinicians to determine if symptoms are from the concussion itself or from the medication. This is why it’s essential to:
An interdisciplinary care approach is critical to avoid misattributing side effects to lingering concussion symptoms, which can delay recovery or lead to unnecessary changes in treatment.
Rather than masking symptoms with medications, treating the root cause of concussion symptoms often leads to more complete and lasting recovery. Approaches like:
These interventions not only relieve symptoms, but also work to normalize brain function and physiology. This leads to better long-term outcomes and reduces the need for medication in most cases.
Medications can sometimes help you tolerate symptoms enough to participate in rehab, but they should never be the first line of defense or a standalone strategy.
Below is a general overview of medications sometimes used to treat specific symptoms of concussion. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication.
| Symptom | Medication Options |
| Headaches | Acetaminophen, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), amitriptyline |
| Cognitive Issues | Neurostimulants (Ritalin, Adderall), SSRIs (Zoloft, Prozac) |
| Dizziness | Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Valium), Meclizine, Scopolamine |
| Fatigue | Neurostimulants (Modafinil, Ritalin) |
| Nausea | Ondansetron (Zofran), Promethazine |
| Sleep Issues | Melatonin, Trazodone, Zolpidem (Ambien) |
| Depression | SSRIs, Tricyclics (Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline) |
| Anxiety | Benzodiazepines (use with caution) |
Remember: Medications often overlap in their benefits. For example, amitriptyline may help with headaches and sleep. However, choosing the right one depends on your full health history and current condition.
The most effective recovery happens when patients are guided by a team of trained professionals, including physicians, rehab specialists, and mental health providers who understand concussion inside and out.
There is no “magic pill” for concussion. But in the right cases, under the guidance of a trained medical team, medications can be an important part of a comprehensive recovery strategy.
Whether it’s managing persistent headaches, helping with sleep, or calming emotional symptoms, the right medication at the right time can ease the journey – but should never be the only strategy.
Addressing the underlying causes of symptoms through a personalized, holistic approach is what leads to true healing.
If you’re struggling with symptoms that won’t go away, book an appointment with a trained concussion professional or attend our Free Concussion Workshop to learn more about options that may help.
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