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Choosing the best migraine medicine can be a difficult choice, there are so many to choose from. Those that suffer regular mild migraines will usually take a simple over the counter (non-prescription or OTC) pain killer.
There are many analgesic OTC medications available. With regards to migraine medicine OTC analgesics can be safer and just as effective for the short term relief of headache. Besides migraine, they are also commonly used for pains, muscle ache, menstrual cramps and fever when used as directed.
There are two main classes of OTC analgesics and these are non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen is a migraine medicine that reduces fever and pain by acting on the brain's pain centers. It is better for the stomach and better tolerated than NSAIDs. If used in high doses or very frequently over a prolonged period it can cause liver damage. In conjunction with regular consumption of alcohol this migraine medicine can result in some serious damage to the liver. Also it can be bad for the kidneys in large doses. Make sure you follow the recommendations on the packaging and avoid over dosage and more frequent use.
The category for NSAIDs as far as migraine medicine goes can be divided into two sections: aspirin and non-aspirin. The non-aspirins include substances like ibuprofen (like Motrin, Advil, Nuprin and Medipren) and naproxen. There are prescription only NSAIDs which are usually reserved for arthritis and inflammatory issues such as tendonitis and bursitis. Generally if something is prescription the active ingredient will be in a higher dose, usually double the strength of a non-presciption.
The mechanism of migraine medicine like NSAIDs is the result of lessening inflammation that results in pain. There is a difference between these and other anti-inflammatory substances like corticosteroids. Corticosteroids have potential side effects but can be good at inflammation relief. Side effects can be bad after long term use and the beneficial effects sometimes take days or hours. NSAIDs do not have any of these unpleasant effects and can act a lot faster.
Things such as Aspirin, Aleve, Advil and Motrin are good NSAIDs that can be effective migraine medicine. Aspirin and non-aspirin NSAIDs act differently on the blood clotting action of platelets. Aspirin will lessen blood clotting and can result in more bleeding, although this can benefit the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
Things like acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine are also available in combination in OTC analgesics as part of migraine medicine. These combination analgesics are called Pain aid, Fioricet, Excedrin and Fiorinal.
Selecting the right migraine medicine can be tricky because everyone responds differently to different medication. It is best to use something that has been effective in the past. This will increase the likelihood of it working and minimize any possible side effects.
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