How to Manage Migraines with OTC Medications

Migraines are a type of severe headache characterized by intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, and can be accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.

They affect over 39 million people in the U.S., making them one of the most common neurological conditions. While migraines can affect anyone, they are most prevalent among women, who are three times more likely to suffer from them than men, particularly during their reproductive years.

Understanding migraine triggers

While medications can provide much-needed relief, they address the symptoms rather than the root cause of migraines. To manage migraines effectively, it's important to understand what might be setting them off in the first place. By identifying triggers such as dietary choices or stress levels, you can take the steps needed to prevent migraines or reduce their frequency and intensity.

Common Migraine Triggers

• Diet: Certain foods and beverages can act as triggers. Common culprits include processed foods, aged cheeses, chocolate, and caffeine. Dehydration or skipping meals can also contribute.
• Stress: Emotional stress, whether from work, relationships, or other sources, can be a significant trigger.
• Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, can trigger migraines. These include changes around the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal birth control.
• Environment: DSensory stimuli like bright lights, loud noises, strong odors, or weather changes can be triggers.
• Sleep Patterns: Both lack of sleep and excessive sleep can contribute to migraines. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is essential.

Symptoms

Identifying the underlying cause of your sore throat is important, but paying attention to the symptoms can guide you in deciding whether you can manage it with basic self-care or if it’s necessary to speak with a healthcare professional.

• Pain or discomfort when swallowing or talking
• Redness and swelling in the throat, often with white patches or pus (especially in bacterial infections)
• Hoarseness or a muffled voice
• Dryness and irritation
• Tender or swollen lymph nodes
• Cough (often associated with postnasal drip or respiratory infections)
• Fever (in cases of infection)

OTC medications for migraine relief

Once you’ve identified your migraine triggers and taken steps to manage them, the next consideration is how to treat the symptoms when they do occur. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can offer effective relief for many people, helping to reduce the severity and duration of migraines.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen is an analgesic and an effective option for relieving migraine pain. It is believed to work by inhibiting certain chemicals in the brain responsible for transmitting pain signals.

• Typically takes 45 minutes to take effect. It may act more quickly if taken on an empty stomach.
• Common side effects: nausea, headache.
• Examples: TYLENOL Regular Strength, TYLENOL Extra Strength.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Advil Migraine, Motrin)

Ibuprofen, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is effective in reducing pain, inflammation, and fever by targeting enzymes known as cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 and 2. By blocking these enzymes, ibuprofen helps prevent the production of prostaglandins, which are substances in the body that lead to pain and swelling.

• Typically begins to work within 30 minutes, although it may take up to 2 hours to experience the full effect.
• Common side effects: nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, decreased appetite, ringing in the ears, and heartburn.
• Examples: MOTRIN IB Migraine Liquid Gels, ADVIL Migraine Liqui-Gels.

Naproxen Sodium (Aleve)

Naproxen, another NSAID, works similarly to ibuprofen in reducing pain. However, some studies indicate that it might not be as effective for migraine relief in some individuals.

• Naproxen can begin to alleviate pain within 30 minutes to an hour after taking it. Compared to ibuprofen, naproxen remains in the body longer, requiring fewer doses throughout the day to maintain its effect.
• Common side effects: stomach upset, dizziness, headache, heartburn, and nausea.
• Examples: ALEVE Tablets.

Excedrin

This OTC medication combines three ingredients in a set dosage: 250 mg of aspirin, 250 mg of acetaminophen, and 65 mg of caffeine.

• Acetaminophen is a pain reliever. Aspirin, an NSAID, helps alleviate pain and inflammation. Caffeine, an adenosine antagonist, blocks the action of adenosine, a natural chemical in the body that tends to increase during migraine attacks. By inhibiting adenosine, caffeine reduces the sensation of pain and enhances the effectiveness of other pain relievers like acetaminophen and aspirin.
• Common side effects: stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, and restlessness.
• Examples: EXCEDRIN Migraine Caplets, EXCEDRIN Extra Strength Caplets.

Speak with your doctor

It’s important to speak with your doctor about migraines if you experience frequent or severe headaches that interfere with daily life, if OTC medications are no longer effective, or if your migraines are accompanied by unusual symptoms such as vision changes, weakness, or difficulty speaking.

It’s important to speak with your doctor about migraines if you experience frequent or severe headaches that interfere with daily life, if OTC medications are no longer effective, or if your migraines are accompanied by unusual symptoms such as vision changes, weakness, or difficulty speaking.