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Important Facts About Over-The-Counter Migraine Medication
By Wendy Simons

Most headache sufferers do not see a doctor on a regular basis. They may think their headaches are not serious enough to warrant a visit to the doctor, they may feel there is no solution to their problem, or they may not be able to afford medical treatment. Whatever the reason, the fact is that most headache sufferers treat themselves with over-the-counter medications.

Many of these drugs provide temporary relief from headache pain. Nevertheless, despite the large number of product names, there are only three essential ingredients in all non prescription pain relievers. They are: Aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. The only differences are in their quantity and combination, and sometimes in the addition of caffeine, which can improve the effectiveness of the medication.

Product labels will list exactly what you are taking, but you should be aware of the possible problems associated with each chemical. The most common and potentially serious problem associated with the use of aspirin and ibuprofen is irritation of the stomach and the intestines.

Initially, the irritation may seem to be a simple upset stomach, but it can lead to internal bleeding and other problems. Acetaminophen does not cause this problem, and therefore it is one of the few pain relievers that can be given to children. But the overuse of these so-called simple medications can lead to long-term complications such as liver or kidney damage, increased blood pressure, nausea, ringing in the ears, and a host of other medical complications.

One of the most difficult problems associated with even the simplest pain relievers is the occurrence of rebound headache. When people take large doses of a medication regularly and frequently, the body develops a dependence on and a tolerance to the medication. As the pain-free periods between headaches become shorter and shorter, the medication must be taken more and more frequently and in increasing amounts. The result is a cycle of ever-increasing pain and medication. In the end, the medication that was supposed to relieve the pain has become one of its main causes.

If your headaches are severe and frequent, simple pain relievers may not provide much relief. Many prescription medications relieve headaches, but only an experienced doctor or pharmacist can provide adequate advice on their use.

There are important points to consider if you take prescription medications. First, all headache medications can cause side effects, ranging from problems such as nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea to potentially life-threatening conditions. In addition, many drugs lose their effectiveness over time.

Some drugs are addictive, and, as in the case of simple pain relievers, they can lead to rebound headaches. Regular use of headache medications also tends to lower the level of tolerance beyond which a headache occurs. This increase sensitivity to possible headache triggers and brings on more headaches and the need for additional medication.

Author Details:
Wendy Simons, writes for various websites, mainly about skin care, microdermabrasion and other health matters. If you are looking for further information try these migraine articles from Simply Top

Source: The A to Z of Headaches

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