Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Paracetamol, NSAIDs, migraine drugs, overuse risk and safety, no child aspirin.
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
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
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.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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