Headache Pain Pills – Drugs for Headache Pain Relief

Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on April 18, 2022

Pain relievers are typically the first drugs recommended by doctors for migraine and headaches. Many of these medications are over-the-counter, or available without a doctor’s prescription, while other headache drugs require a prescription. Headache Pain Pills

Note: if symptomatic relief medications are used more than twice a week, you should see your doctor, who may prescribe preventive headache medications. Overuse of symptomatic medications can actually cause more frequent headaches or worsen headache symptoms.

Drugs for relief of migraine or headache symptoms include:

Generic Name	Brand Name	Use	Possible Side Effects
Acetaminophen	Panadol, Tylenol	Pain reliefHeadache treatment	Few side effects if taken as directed, although they may include: changes in blood counts and liver damage
Aspirin	Bayer, Bufferin	Pain reliefHeadache treatment	Heartburn, gastrointestinal bleeding, bronchospasm or constriction that causes narrowing of the airways, anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction), ulcers
Fenoprofen	Nalfon	Prevention of tension headaches; migraines; hormone headaches	Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, dizziness, drowsiness
Flurbiprofen	Ocufen	Prevention of tension headaches; migraines. Treatment of tension headache; migraines	Gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, dizziness, vision problems, ulcers
Ibuprofen	Advil, Motrin IB	Treatment of tension headache; migraines	Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage
Ketoprofen	Actron	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, diarrheal, nausea, vomiting
Naproxen	Aleve	Prevention of tension headaches; hormone headaches. Treatment of migraines	Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage
Diclofenac	Cambia, Cataflam,Zipsor, Zorvolex	Treatment of tension headache; migraines	Stomach upset, bloating, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of appetite
Ketorolac		Treatment of tension headache	Gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, dizziness, vision problems, ulcers
Meclofenamate		Treatment of tension headache	Nausea, diarrheal, indigestion, dizziness, drowsiness
Carisoprodol	Soma	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	Robaxin	Treatment of tension headache	Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, darkening of urine
Cyclobenzaprine HCL	Amrix	Treatment of tension headache	Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness
Metaxalone	Skelaxin	Treatment of tension headache	Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nervousness

Tips for Using Over-the-Counter Headache Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers have been demonstrated to be safe when used as directed. But keep the following precautions in mind:

Know the active ingredients in each product. Be sure to read the entire label.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage on the package.
Carefully consider how you use pain relievers and all medications. It is easy to over-medicate yourself.
Check with your doctor before taking products containing aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) if: you have a bleeding problem; asthma; recently had surgery or dental surgery or are about to have surgery; have ulcers, kidney or liver disorders; or take any other blood thinners.
Check with your doctor before taking acetaminophen if you have kidney or liver problems. Headache Pain Pills