The Effects of Excedrin Migraine

The Effects of Excedrin Migraine
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Excedrin Migraine is an over-the-counter pain medication produced by Novartis. The National Headache Foundation lists several unique forms of migraines that all include pain as a primary symptom of the headache phase except for silent migraines. Any common visual or auditory disturbances, fatigue or nausea associated with migraines will not be alleviated by Excedrin Migraine medication. Since Excedrin Migraine contains three different drugs, you should be aware of all side effects that are associated with caffeine, acetaminophen and aspirin.

Effects of Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is used in Excedrin Migraine to relieve pain and fever. Abdominal distress is a common effect of acetaminophen use, according to the Mayo Clinic. Distress includes cramps, abdominal swelling, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these typical side effects, you will need to decide whether you are willing to tolerate these effects in exchange for headache relief. However, if you experience any rare side effects associated with acetaminophen, you should immediately seek a physician's care. Skin rashes, hives or ulcers may be accompanied by constant itching and red or white spots across the skin. Bloody urine or stool indicates are serious medical condition. Overdose of acetaminophen products, such as Excedrin Migraine, are more likely to produce rare side effects as well as elevated sweating, reduced appetite and diarrhea.

Effects of Aspirin

Aspirin is primarily used to prevent swelling of blood vessels and reduce the likelihood of forming clots according to the National Institute of Health. An aspirin regimen has been shown to act as a heart attack preventative; however, you should only utilize aspirin as a preventative only under a doctor's supervision. Abdominal distress is a typical effect of aspirin use including cramps, abdominal swelling, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Skin irritation is a rare effect of aspirin that includes rashes and hives. An unusual heartbeat, irregular breathing or wheezing, auditory disturbances, vomit or stools containing blood and localized swelling require immediate hospital care. Adolescents and children should only be given aspirin-containing products, like Excedrin Migraine, under direct doctor supervision. The Mayo Clinic indicates this precaution is due to aspirin's link to Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is the rapid swelling of the brain and liver leading to subsequent death.

Effects of Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that is thought to improve the effectiveness of aspirin and acetaminophen. Excessive caffeine can cause heightened anxiety, restlessness, sleeplessness and tremors, according to the National Institute of Health. Excessive caffeine as well as withdraw has the potential to instigate rebound migraines that are accompanied by more sever head pain. You should be careful to control your dietary caffeine consumption while taking Excedrin Migraine to prevent this from occurring. If you begin to experience an accelerated heart rate, consult a doctor immediately.

References

Article reviewed by Brad Walters Last updated on: Aug 1, 2010

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