Headache Sufferers--What Do You Take?

[Brandles]

Just wondering what you gals take when you get a headache. I can count on one hand how many headaches I've ever had. I got a bad one today. It was concentrated in my left temple and it throbbed when moved quickly, or my heart pounded (like a very severe sinus headache). I found it hard to concentrate and I SWEAR I had nausea.

I took Tylonal and it did nothing. I finally took some Alieve and that took care of it. I've just never had this problem before. In case it comes back, I'd like to have something on hand. Any suggestions? Thanks! :)

[ejs]

Excedrin works for me about 90% of the time.

[daener]

Extra strength Excedrin is the only thing I take for headaches. Nothing else ever works.

[tenofcups]

Another vote for extra-strength excedrin (NOT the aspirin-free kind). I have a slight reaction to either the caffeine or the aspirin that's in it so I try not to take it too often, but if I've got a real headache, that's the ONLY thing that will work.

[lawyerlee]

The fact that you had nausea makes me wonder if it was a migraine. I have a lot of links in the migraine thread (also in this forum) that you might want to look through when you have a chance. Some simple things that can help are an ice pack, lying down in a dark, quiet, cool room, aromatherapy remedies (esp. peppermint, spearmint, or lavender), and guided relaxation.

[Brandles]

Thanks! I wondered if it was a migraine. I thought it would've been worse if it was. I'm not sure if the nausea was from the headache or because I had to go to the bathroom. It passed after I went.

I'll have to check out Excedrin next time I'm at the store.

[kalogrias]

Anything with Ibuprofen works for me (Motrin especially). 90% of my headaches are triggered by stress, and since ibuprofen is a muscle relaxant, it tends to work well for me.

[sportyj]

I suffer from horrible chronic tension headaches. I have some STRONG painkillers prescribed BUT they knock me out cold, almost literally! I do a lot of yoga, and have tried accupuncture, and chiropractic. All of them seem to help, but I still get them ALOT. Like right now...OUCH!

PS - Excedrin is the way to go, taking Tylenol, Aleve or Advil for me may as well be placebos, they do NADA!

[2kCougar]

excedrin is the only thing that I take for headaches. I used to get terrible migraines--nausea, partial blindness--the works! Since I've been seeing a chiropractor for the last 6 years, I haven't had a migraine since (knock on wood!). Also, I used to get one a week (at the worst point).

[kam]

Depends on the headache. If it's sinus, I take Benedryl Severe Headache and two Aleve (to help with inflammation). If it's a tension headache, I take Excedrin and put a hot cloth on my eyes. If it's a food-related headache, I drink a ton of water. If it's a migraine, I sit in a dark room and take whatever I can to kill it, including medicine to help me sleep.

[ysolde]

Like Diana, I suffer from migraines. I use different prescription meds, both prophylactic and for the pain (for the pain, I use a combination pill of aspirin, caffeine, and a barbiturate if I catch it early; otherwise, I use Maxalt, which melts on my tongue and gets rid of the pain and the nausea within twenty to thirty minutes -- however, it makes me feel like my heart is going to explode).

If you are having frequent headaches, if they are getting more severe, or if they are disabling, you should tell your doctor about them.

[ag-girl]

Excedrin for sure! The one's without aspirin work fine for me. I do get jittery/nauseous feeling usually though, might be the caffeine. I get headaches frequently and use excedrin only when I absolutely have to.

[Graffy]

Another vote for Excedrin, and more specifically, Excedrin Migraine. I don't even know if the headaches I get are migraines, but Excedrin kills them within minutes.

[littlemia]

My stomach doesn't like Excedrin, so the best thing I've found is BC Powder. It takes awhile to get used to taking it, but I think it works better than regular aspirin tablets. Tylenol's more or less joke to me (does anyone get pain relief from it)?

[ag-girl]

Looks like Excedrin is popular! I have to admit though, I worry what I am going to take if/when I ever become pregnant. Tylenol just doesn't do anything for me.

[Rose]

For heachaches Excedrin and for migraines I take Maxalt or Fiornal w/ codeine.

[Vorian's_Leronica]

for headaches I take Exedrin Tension headache. For severe tension headaches and migraines I take Darvocet and Flexeril.

[Brandles]

I picked up some Excedrin yesterday...so I'll be prepared if another one strikes!