Response to headache medicines can vary between individuals, and many different pain medicines are available to treat headaches, including combination products with caffeine. These medicines should be used cautiously as they may cause health problems. Too much caffeine during the day from additional sources of caffeine, such as medications, foods or beverages, may cause more headaches, notes MayoClinic.com. Your total daily caffeine intake should be watched so as not to overload the body with caffeine.
Acetaminophen and Caffeine
The combination of acetaminophen and caffeine is an available option for treating headaches. Acetaminophen works to relieve the pain and caffeine is added to enhance the effect of acetaminophen. Combinations of acetaminophen and caffeine should be used cautiously, as they can cause side effects such as stomach problems, loss of appetite, liver problems, sleep problems or nervousness. Examples of this combination include the brand-name over-the-counter medications Excedrin Quick Tab, Excedrin Tension Headache and Valorin Extra.
Aspirin and Caffeine
Aspirin and caffeine are available in combination to relieve headache pain. Aspirin works by interfering with various mechanisms that cause pain and swelling, whereas caffeine is a stimulant that increases the effect of aspirin. Side effects include bleeding problems, nervousness, insomnia and Reye's syndrome, which is a rare and potentially deadly condition that involves swelling in the liver and brain. Examples of combinations of aspirin and caffeine include the brand-name OTC drugs Anacin and P-A-C.
Acetaminophen, Aspirin and Caffeine
The combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine is also available for managing headaches. These medicines work by blocking mechanisms in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Some medical conditions, such as bleeding problems, heart problems, vitamin K deficiency, anxiety and insomnia, among others, can be worsened by this combination, reports Drugs.com. Individuals with a pre-existing health condition should discuss taking this combination medicine with their doctors. OTC products include Excedrin and Vanquish.
Ergotamine and Caffeine
Ergotamine and caffeine are available by prescription as a combination product to treat headaches. The ergotamine and caffeine components both act to tighten enlarged blood vessels in the head that contribute to the symptoms of headache. Potential side effects include numbness in the hands or feet, muscle aches, leg pain or weakness, chest pain, and changes in heart rate. This combination is available as the brand-name prescription drug Cafergot.
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