What Pills to Take When You Have a Headache

Our expert: Olga Polikina, General practitioner

There are many ways to relieve headaches, but almost no one can do so without painkillers. Only a doctor can choose a medication that you will use for a long period. To avoid the pain taking you by surprise, it is better to be aware of what medications exist and how they differ.

Analgesics

When pain occurs, the level of prostaglandin hormones rises in the body. They serve as conductors of the pain signal from the point of origin to the brain. Analgesic drugs reduce the level of prostaglandins, thereby disrupting the connection between the source of pain and its perception by the central nervous system.

Important: Analgesics negatively affect the mucous membranes of the stomach and also may result in an addiction.

Paracetamol-based medications

They not only have analgesics but also a pronounced antipyretic effect, so they are traditionally used in the treatment of acute respiratory infections and viral infections which may be accompanied by high fever. As a rule, the analgesic effect is observed 20–30 minutes after taking it.

Important: Paracetamol has an aggressive effect on the liver and kidneys. In addition, it should not be consumed with alcoholic beverages.

Almost all people suffer from headaches from time to time. And for 67 % of the world’s adult population, headaches are chronic.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

NSAIDs have a triple effect: relieve pain, reduce fever, and reduce inflammation. The most common representatives of this group are aspirin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac.

Important: The active substances of NSAIDs are quite aggressive in relation to the stomach, so they should not be taken on an empty stomach. Drink at least a glass of water each time you take them.

Antimigraine agents

A migraine is caused by the dilation of cerebral vessels. The task of medication is to narrow them back, returning blood flow to normal. The main difference between antimigraine medications and other painkillers is that they are taken before the attack or at its very beginning.

Important: Antimigraine drugs are sold only by prescription and are selected individually by medical professionals.

Cannabinoids

A debated method that, most importantly, is not yet approved everywhere. Cannabinoids, contained in marijuana, have a relaxing effect, which is why they are so popular. One of the side effects is that cannabidiol (CBD) helps to relieve pain. In many countries, the use of cannabis for medical reasons is officially authorized, but the rules for prescribing and selling it are different everywhere.

Important: Smoking marijuana is as harmful to the lungs as nicotine.

Important rules

If you find a medication that is suitable for you, the headache will begin to subside in 30 minutes and completely disappear after one hour. If after 6–7 hours the pain occurs again, it is obvious that there is some pathological process occurring in the body that needs to be stopped. In this case, relieving the symptoms with pills will not be enough.

The most dangerous mistake when taking painkillers is exceeding the daily dose. If the medication did not bring you relief, there is no point in taking a second (or third or fourth) tablet. If the first medication did not work, wait at least 3–4 hours before trying another type.

This article is one of many written by Ornament experts for you. Want answers to the most demanding questions about your health? Read more exclusive articles and keep the information directly in your phone.