Editing Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (section)

===Medication===
The best-studied medical treatment for intracranial hypertension is [[acetazolamide]] (Diamox), which acts by inhibiting the enzyme [[carbonic anhydrase]], and it reduces CSF production by six to 57 percent. It can cause the symptoms of [[hypokalemia]] (low blood potassium levels), which include muscle weakness and tingling in the fingers. Acetazolamide cannot be used in pregnancy, since it has been shown to cause embryonic abnormalities in animal studies. Also, in human beings it has been shown to cause [[metabolic acidosis]] as well as [[water-electrolyte imbalance|disruptions in the blood electrolyte levels]] of newborn babies. The diuretic [[furosemide]] is sometimes used for a treatment if acetazolamide is not tolerated, but this drug sometimes has little effect on the ICP.<ref name=Binder/><ref name=Acheson/>

Various [[analgesic]]s (painkillers) may be used in controlling the headaches of intracranial hypertension. In addition to conventional agents such as [[paracetamol]], a low dose of the antidepressant [[amitriptyline]] or the anticonvulsant [[topiramate]] have shown some additional benefit for pain relief.<ref name=Acheson/>

The use of [[glucocorticoid|steroids]] in the attempt to reduce the ICP is controversial. These may be used in severe papilledema, but otherwise their use is discouraged.<ref name=Binder/>