OTC medicines are helpful to prevent migraine attacks. Migraine is a medical disorder that causes frequent, painful headaches. It has a broad impact.
A migraine attack could be really terrible. A single or both sides of the brain may experience them, and they are frequently described as humming or throbbing pains. Prior to a migraine occurrence, some people experience an assortment of symptoms known as aura.
To cure or prevent migraines, a number of medicines are available. Painkillers sold over-the-counter (OTC) are frequently used to treat migraine attacks that have already started. Let’s examine the various OTC migraine treatments in more detail, including their mechanisms of action.
OTC Medicine for Migraine Attack
There are a few different kinds of over-the-counter medications that can be used to treat migraines. They are typically employed to treat the symptoms of an existing migraine rather than to stop one.
These are normally available at your neighbourhood grocery shop or pharmacy in the form of capsules or tablets. Before taking a capsule or tablet, make sure to verify the packaging as the dose of medication inside can differ.
The first-line therapies include the following drugs. This indicates that they are typically the initial migraine treatments that are suggested. As a result, it’s probable that they won’t work for everyone, especially if a migraine is really painful.
Ibuprofen
One of the several NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines) that can be prescribed to treat migraines is ibuprofen. NSAIDs are frequently used to treat conditions when there is pain, inflammation, or fever.
Ibuprofen is an example of a traditional NSAID that works by preventing the activity of the COX 1 and COX 2 enzymes. NSAIDs work by inhibiting these enzymes to stop the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for swelling and discomfort. 400 milligrammes of ibuprofen are the maximum dosage for treating migraines (mg). However, doses as high as 800 mg have been applied. Ibuprofen has been reported to relieve pain in roughly half of those who take it during a migraine attack.
Naproxen
Another NSAID is naproxen. It functions to reduce pain in a manner similar to ibuprofen. However, because it takes longer to start working than ibuprofen, naproxen’s benefits might not be felt right away.
For severe migraines, 500 mg of naproxen is typically advised. Occasionally, doses as high as 825 mg have been employed. When taken with additional medications, naproxen can help to reduce the pain of acute migraines. For instance, it has been discovered that combining naproxen with the other prescribed medicine is more beneficial than combining either of the two medicines on its own.
Aspirin
Aspirin is an NSAID, just like ibuprofen and naproxen. Like the other NSAIDs we’ve talked about thus far, it functions through a similar method. Aspirin up to 1,000 mg daily is suggested for acute migraine. Aspirin may assist to inhibit migraine attacks in addition to treating acute migraine discomfort. According to data, taking aspirin daily in doses ranging from 81 to 325 mg may aid in preventing migraine attacks.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is frequently used to treat ailments like fever and discomfort. It may also be referred to as paracetamol. Acetaminophen’s precise mechanism of pain relief is uncertain. Acetaminophen 1,000 mg is the suggested dose for migraine. The reviewers came to the conclusion that for people who cannot use NSAIDs, acetaminophen would be a suitable first-line therapy alternative.
Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, and Caffeine
Three components are really combined in this over-the-counter medicine at a set dosage. Each of these components has a unique mode of action, which we’ve already covered for Acetaminophen/Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Caffeine, what about it?
Your brain’s blood flow increases when you have a headache. The blood flow to the brain can be decreased by caffeine because it can shorten blood vessels in the brain. Additionally, caffeine contains anti-inflammatory qualities and can strengthen the effects of acetaminophen and aspirin.
An over-the-counter pill or tablet containing a single dose of ibuprofen, paracetamol, and caffeine is readily available. Pain reliever OTC medicines operate by preventing the release of chemical signals in the brain that produce inflammation and pain (redness and swelling). The potency of paracetamol/acetaminophen is increased when caffeine is present.
Additionally, if your migraines are severe, there are chances that sometimes OTC medicines won’t help you feel better. In this situation, a doctor can collaborate with you to suggest a prescription drug that might be more efficient.
