Migraine is a condition, which causes throbbing and debilitating pain in one or both sides of the head. If you have migraines, you can understand how hurtful and severe they can be. Nevertheless, medications and lifestyle adjustments can help relieve the symptoms and get you at ease. Doctors usually prescribe over-the-counter medications to ease the headache. It is advisable to consult with your doctor before you take any OTC medicine for migraine headache treatment.
There is a range of over-the-counter medications that aim to relieve migraine symptoms. However, these medications do not prevent the condition. They are generally available at the chemist shops in tablet or capsule form. The quantity of medicine in a tablet or capsule can differ. Therefore, it is advisable to check the label or consult with your doctor before using the medication. Although these medicines are quite effective, they may not work for everyone, particularly when in severe conditions.
Let’s discuss some of the effective over-the-counter medications for migraines.
- Naproxen
It is a well-working medication for acute migraine headaches. It is also put under the umbrella of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Naproxen works in the similar way ibuprofen does. However, it may take a longer time to show its effectiveness. The suggested dosage of naproxen can vary from 500-825mg.
- Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an outstanding migraine treatment. It is also included in NSAIDs. They can help treat inflammation, pain, and fever. Ibuprofen can be used in 500-800 mg.
- Aspirin
Aspirin is also an NSAID like naproxen and ibuprofen and works in the same way. This medication can help ease acute migraine headaches. Moreover, aspirin can also prevent migraine symptoms. It is usually recommended in 1000mg.
- Acetaminophen
Paracetamol is another name for acetaminophen. It relieves fever and pain and is generally recommended in 1000mg. Acetaminophen can be an effective substitute medicine for migraine for those people who cannot take Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Do over-the-counter migraine medications result in side effects?
Yes, people can experience the side effects of OTC medications for migraine headaches. However, they are rare.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause digestive problems and increase the possibility of ulcers and Reye’s syndrome in children. However, acetaminophen can result in causing allergic reactions and liver damage, if used in an excessive quantity. These are the OTC migraine treatments and their possible side effects. It is advisable to consult with your doctor before you take any migraine headache treatment.
Several over-the-counter medications can be used for the treatment of migraines. However, as discussed above, they only relieve the migraine symptoms and do not work to prevent them. Your doctor may prescribe prescription drugs like Zolmitriptan or Sumatriptan for preventing headaches. However, your doctor may tell you whether to take OTC medications or prescription drugs to relieve your condition.