Medicines and Products for Headache

Medicines can relieve headache, but they must be used carefully. Using painkillers too often can itself cause headache.

Painkillers for tension-type headache and mild migraine

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) at the recommended dose.
• Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs with food. Avoid them with stomach ulcers, kidney disease, asthma triggered by NSAIDs, or late pregnancy unless a doctor advises.
• Aspirin for adults only. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers under 16 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Migraine-specific medicines

Triptans and similar drugs, anti-nausea medicines and preventive medicines are prescribed by a doctor. Preventives are considered when attacks are frequent or severe.

Medication-overuse headache

Using simple painkillers on 15 or more days a month, or triptans and combination painkillers on 10 or more days, can cause rebound headache. Keep to fewer days and see a doctor if you need them more often.

Products and supplements

Balms, patches and herbal products give limited relief, and evidence is weak. Check for allergies and keep them away from the eyes.

Safety

• Do not take more than the dose on the label.
• Check combination cold remedies for hidden paracetamol.
• Tell your doctor about pregnancy, breastfeeding and all other medicines.
• Seek urgent help for red flag headache. Medicines do not replace emergency care.

Key point

Use the smallest effective dose, and see a doctor if you need painkillers often.

Before your appointment

Keep a headache diary for a few weeks, noting when headaches start, how long they last, their location and type of pain, and possible triggers such as sleep, meals, stress, periods and screen time. List all medicines, supplements and painkillers you take and how many days a month you use them. Mention head injuries, family history, and any red flag symptoms.