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. 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 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 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 younger than age 14 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 |
| 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 | 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 |