Common Headache Remedy Information and Warnings

Aspirin

Aspirin is the lowest-costing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available. Aspirin's active ingredient is the synthetic form of the compound salicin (acetysalicyclic acid). Aspirin is the standard by which all other NSAIDs are judged.

Aspirin has swelling-reducing (anti-inflammatory), pain-reducing (analgesic) and fever-reducing (antipyretic) effects. It is also a mild blood-thinner (anticoagulant). The major side effect is irritation of the stomach.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a pain-reducer without the anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning effects of aspirin. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain or to reduce fevers. It is often recommended for patients who are aspirin intolerant, have ulcers, or have blood-clotting conditions. Acetaminophen has a maximum dose of 4gm/day in adults and is usually dosed as 650mg every 4 to 6 hours. This is very important, due to the fact that overusing acetaminophen can cause liver damage. An additional warning follows:
WARNING: Combining acetaminophen and alcohol can result in severe liver damage very quickly. Alcohol should be avoided while taking acetaminophen. If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, ask your doctor whether you should take acetaminophen or other pain relievers/fever reducers.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen has less of an anti-inflammatory effect than aspirin. Lower doses can control minor pain, but higher doses are needed for treating inflammation. In addition to stomach irritation, side effects may include kidney toxicity, jaundice, nausea, dizziness, headache (amusingly enough), rash, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, gas or heartburn. It also has the potential to cause stomach ulcers. Smoking or drinking alcohol while taking ibuprofen can increase your likelihood of developing ulcers. You should not take ibuprofen with aspirin, because the combination can erode your stomach lining and thin your blood which can lead to poor clotting.

Naproxen

Naproxen is both a pain-reliever and a fever-reducer. It is commonly used for many of inflammatory or pain-related conditions, including rheumatism (rheumatoid arthritis) and other forms of arthritis. It is also useful in treating mild to moderate pain associated with (for the ladies) menses, premenstrual discomfort, and pain after childbirth or surgery. Side effects have been known to include digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, gas or heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and headache (again, amusingly). There is also a chance of a regular naproxen user becoming more susceptible to sunburn, or to develop ringing in the ears (tinnitis).