Drugs for Headache Pain Relief

Drugs for Headache Pain Relief

Pain relievers are typically the first medications recommended by doctors for migraines and headaches. While many of these medications are over-the-counter, or available without a prescription, other headache medications require a prescription.

If you use symptomatic relief medications more than twice a week, you should consult your doctor, who can prescribe preventive headache medications. Overusing symptomatic medications can worsen headache symptoms or cause more frequent headaches.

Migraine or headache medications include:

Generic Name	Use	Possible Side Effects
Acetaminophen	Pain relief Headache treatment	Few side effects if taken as directed, although they may include: changes in blood counts and liver damage
Aspirin	Pain relief Headache treatment	Heartburn, gastrointestinal bleeding, bronchospasm or constriction that causes narrowing of the airways, anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction), ulcers
Fenoprofen	Prevention of tension headaches; migraines; hormone headaches	Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, dizziness, drowsiness
Flurbiprofen	Prevention of tension headaches; migraines. Treatment of tension headache; migraines	Gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, dizziness, vision problems, ulcers
Ibuprofen	Treatment of tension headache; migraines	Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage
Ketoprofen	Prevention of tension headaches; migraines. Treatment of migraines	Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage
Nabumetone	Prevention of tension headaches; migraines	Constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Naproxen	Prevention of tension headaches; hormone headaches. Treatment of migraines	Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage
Ketorolac	Treatment of tension headache	Gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, dizziness, vision problems, ulcers
Meclofenamate	Treatment of tension headache	Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, dizziness, drowsiness
Carisoprodol	Treatment of tension headache	Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headache, nervousness, skin rash, bleeding
Orphenadrine citrate	Treatment of tension headache	Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nervousness, blurred vision
Methocarbamol	Treatment of tension headache	Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, darkening of urine
Cyclobenzaprine HCL	Treatment of tension headache	Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness
Metaxalone	Treatment of tension headache	Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nervousness

 

 

Pain relievers over-the-counter for headaches

When used as directed, over-the-counter pain relievers are safe. However, the following precautions should be observed:

• Each product should be identified by its active ingredients. Carefully read the label.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dosage.
• Be cautious about how you use pain relievers and all medications. It's easy to over-medicate.
• You should consult your doctor before taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) if you have a bleeding problem, asthma recently had surgery or dental surgery, are undergoing surgery, ulcers, kidney or liver disorders, or take any other blood thinners.
• Acetaminophen should not be taken by people with kidney or liver problems.