Drugs for Headache Pain Relief

Medically Reviewed by Murtaza Cassoobhoy, MD on February 10, 2023
3 min read

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.

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 NameBrand NameUsePrecautionsPossible Side Effects
AcetaminophenPanadolTylenol

Pain relief

Headache treatment

 Few side effects if taken as directed, although they may include: changes in blood counts and liver damage
AspirinBayer, Bufferin

Pain relief

Headache treatment

Do not use in children younger than age 19 years due to the potential for Reye's syndrome (a life-threatening neurological condition)Heartburn, gastrointestinal bleeding, bronchospasm or constriction that causes narrowing of the airways, anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction), ulcers
Celecoxib Celebrex, Elyxyb

Pain relief 

Headache treatment 

 Gas, bloating, constipation, dizziness, sore throat, cold-like symptoms, problems with taste (dysgeusia)
FenoprofenNalfonPrevention of tension headaches; migraines; hormone headaches Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, dizziness, drowsiness
FlurbiprofenOcufenPrevention of tension headaches; migraines. Treatment of tension headache; migraines Gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, dizziness, vision problems, ulcers
IbuprofenAdvil, Motrin IBTreatment of tension headache; migraines Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage
KetoprofenActronPrevention of tension headaches; migraines. Treatment of migraines Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage
Nabumetone Prevention of tension headaches; migraines Constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
NaproxenAlevePrevention of tension headaches; hormone headaches. Treatment of migraines Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage
DiclofenacCambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, ZorvolexTreatment 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, diarrhea, indigestion, dizziness, drowsiness
CarisoprodolSomaTreatment of tension headache Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headache, nervousness, skin rash, bleeding
Orphenadrine citrate Treatment of tension headache Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nervousness, blurred vision
MethocarbamolRobaxinTreatment of tension headache Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, darkening of urine
Cyclobenzaprine HCLAmrixTreatment of tension headache Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness
MetaxaloneSkelaxinTreatment of tension headache Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nervousness

 

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.