are over-the-counter medications for migraine effective?

Question

What is the best over-the-counter medication for migraine headaches. Excedrine migrain is really just regular excedrine. Same ingredients. Doesnt wor?

Answer 1

Yes!: Excedrin migraine and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen, naproxen, Ketoprofen all work well for many people. Sometimes a little caffeine or chocolate does just the trick [unless those are migraine triggers for you!]. Talk with your doc about prevention if your headaches are frequent, severe, your meds don't work, or it's changing your life. Good luck.

Answer 2

Yes: They can be. Excedrine migraine can be very effective. If they do not work for you then see your doctor.

Answer 3

Yes: Most headaches can be managed with otc meds. If the headaches are persistent and occurring frequently then you should have further eval and discuss with pcp. Be careful with excedrine and other meds containing caffeine. These can cause rebound headaches if taken chronically.

Answer 4

For some people: Over-the-counter medications can be very effective for some migraines in some people. Many people get relief from medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Combination medications such as Excedrin Migraine or Bayer Migraine formulas, which contain aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine are particularly effective in some individuals. For more informaition see: http://understandingmigraine.blogspot.com/

Answer 5

Yes: Actually it is more helpful to avoid certain foods that may trigger your migraines. These foods vary from person to person.

Answer 6

Possibly: There is emerging evidence that suggest certain diets can help reduce pain and headaches. For instance, a proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 seems to be important. Also, dietary polyamines and magnesium have been shown to be helpfull.

Answer 7

Food triggers: May be better to avoid some foods, can be individual. Some foods contain chemicals, e.g. Tyramine, or histamine, that affect blood vessels, might then affect headache. Some evidence that skipping meals is bad. Aged cheeses, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, some nuts, cultured milk products, some fruits like bananas, kiwi, figs, dried fruit, walnuts, smoked fish, yeast extract. Check w/md, maybe rd.

Answer 8

Migraine and menopau: Yes it can be worse if it is triggered by hormonal changes.

Answer 9

Stress migraine: Many illness exacerbations are due to or least somewhat influenced by stress. Stress in the form of worsened sleep, anxious worry, muscle tension, chronic dread, and vigilance could increase frequency and even severity of migraine. Biofeedback which coordinates relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, and imagery is a successful treatment - for migraine and other illnesses felt to stress-related.

Answer 10

Stress and migraines: There is a complex relationship between psychological and physical aspects of our mind and body. There is no definitive answer here, but stress can certainly intensify pain during migraine episodes. Some people have a pathway where emotional distress leads to a physiological response like migraines. It is always a good idea to reduce stress in ones life to support overall well-being.

Answer 11

Yes: Stress can trigger migraine attacks.

Answer 12

Stress: Triggers for migraine headaches can include things like stress, odors/scents, neck tension, alcohol, hormonal changes(such as menses), lights, smoke or other fumes, ^'ed physical activity, particular foods, becoming overheated ; sleep patterns.

Answer 13

None: A migraine is typically described as throbbing pain and may be associated with nausea and/or vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, or an aura (a funny taste, smell or visual disturbance that lets you know you're going to have a migraine). A tension headache is described as a vice like squeezing sensation around your head sometimes associated with stress or a lot of strain on your neck muscles.

Answer 14

Exercise: Migraine headaches can often be triggered by exercise, red wines, certain foods, stress and sleep disorders. Tension type headaches tend to be more frequent and exercise often helps these. Consult your pcp for a comprehensive evaluation.

Answer 15

Yes: According to a study in the american journal of medicine (may 20, 2010)- migraine sufferers are about twice as likely to suffer stoke. It's important to reduce your risk factors for strokes- control blood pressure, lose weight and stop smoking.

Answer 16

Yes: This is especially true for females like you. If you take birth control pills and smoke your risk of stroke is up to 35 times higher than someone without migraine.

are over-the-counter medications for migraine effective?

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers — it's anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Similar questions

Can eating certain foods help me avoid migraines?

Can migraine be worse during menopause?

Can stress cause migraines?

How can I tell if I have a migraine or just a bad tension-type headache?

Is there an increased risk of stroke for migraine sufferers?

Related questions

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:

Found in:

People also asked

Related topics

Disclaimer:

Get the free app for Members

Get the free app for Doctors