Drugs for Migraine and Headache Pain

Usually, the first migraine and headache drugs recommended by doctors are pain relievers. Many of these medications are available over-the-counter, without a doctor's prescription. Other headache drugs require a prescription. When taking these headache drugs, avoid excessive caffeine-containing products and other over-the-counter headache medications. Any medication containing barbiturates (butalbital) or narcotics (codeine) should be used sparingly.

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

Medications for relief of migraine or headache symptoms include:

Generic Name	Brand Name	Use	Precautions	Possible Side Effects
Acetaminophen	Tylenol	Pain relief		Few side effects, if taken as directed, although they may include: changes in blood counts and liver damage
Aspirin	Bayer Bufferin Ecotrin	Pain relief	Do not use in children under age 20 years due to the potential for Reye's syndrome (a life-threating neurological condition)	Heartburn, gastrointestinal bleeding, bronchospasm or constriction that causes narrowing of the airways, anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction), ulcers
Aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine	Excedrin Migraine	Pain relief	Do not use in children under 14 years of age due to the potential for Reyes syndrome	Few side effects, if taken as directed, although they may include: changes in blood counts, liver damage
Fenoprofen	Nalfon	Prevention of tension headaches; migraines; hormone headaches		Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, dizziness, drowsiness
Flurbiprofen	Ansaid	Prevention of tension headaches; migraines Treatment of tension headache; migraines		Gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, dizziness, vision problems, ulcers
Ibuprofen	Advil Motrin IB Nuprin	Treatment of tension headache; migraines		Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage
Ketaprofen	Actron Orudis KT	Prevention of tension headaches; migraines Treatment of migraines		Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage
Nabumetone	Relafen	Prevention of tension headaches; migraines		Constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Naproxen	Aleve	Prevention of tension headaches; hormone headaches Treatment of migraines		Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage
Diclofenac	Cataflam	Treatment of tension headache; migraines		Stomach upset, bloating, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of appetite
Ketorolac	Toradol	Treatment of tension headache		Gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, dizziness, vision problems, ulcers
Meclofenate	Meclomen	Treatment of tension headache		Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, dizziness, drowsiness
Carisoprodol	Soma	Treatment of tension headache		Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headache, nervousness, skin rash, bleeding
Orphenadrine citrate	Norflex	Treatment of tension headache		Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nervousness, blurred vision
Methocarbamol	Robaxin	Treatment of tension headache		Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, darkening of urine
Cyclobenzaprine HCL	Flexeril	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 (Excedrin), ibuprofen (Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) 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; take any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Check with your doctor before taking acetaminophen-containing products (Tylenol) if you have kidney or liver problems.

Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center.

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic