Painkiller injection
December 17, 2025Painkiller for back pain
December 17, 2025Several types of painkillers are used to treat headaches, ranging from common over-the-counter (OTC) options to specialized prescription medications. Choosing the right one depends on the type of headache you have.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Painkillers
For most occasional tension-type or mild headaches, these are the first-line treatments:
- Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): Generally considered the safest first choice for most people, including pregnant women. It is gentle on the stomach.
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These reduce inflammation and are often more effective for tension or sinus headaches.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Often provides faster relief than paracetamol for some.
- Aspirin: Effective for adults but must not be given to children or teenagers under 16/19 due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
- Naproxen (Aleve): Longer-lasting relief, often used for migraines or hormonal headaches.
- Combination Medicines: Some OTC products combine a painkiller with caffeine (like Excedrin) to enhance effectiveness, especially for migraines.
Prescription Medications
If OTC options fail or for specific conditions like migraines or cluster headaches, a doctor may prescribe:
- Triptans: Specialized migraine medications (e.g., Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan) that narrow blood vessels in the brain to stop a migraine attack.
- Gepants & CGRP Inhibitors: Newer classes of drugs (e.g., Ubrogepant, Rimegepant) specifically designed to block pain signals for migraine prevention and treatment.
- Anti-nausea Medications: Often prescribed alongside painkillers if your headaches cause vomiting.
Important Safety Warnings
- Rebound Headaches: Using any acute painkiller (even OTC) more than 2–3 days per week can actually cause more frequent “medication overuse” or rebound headaches.
- When to See a Doctor: Seek medical help if your headache is sudden and severe (a “thunderclap” headache), follows a head injury, or is accompanied by confusion, vision changes, or weakness.
