A headache refers to a pain that is felt in the scalp, neck or head, says MedlinePlus. MedlinePlus says that signs of a headache include a tight band in the head, trouble sleeping, vomiting or nausea. Fortunately, generic drugs for a headache can be taken to manage these symptoms.
Naproxen
Naproxen, commonly sold as Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan or Anaprox, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication commonly used to manage headaches. MedlinePlus says that this medication also treats the swelling and stiffness of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile arthritis. This medication works to reduce the amount of prostaglandin produced. Prostaglandin is a substance necessary for fever, inflammation and pain.
Naproxen's less concerning side effects include ringing in the ears, lightheadedness, a headache, dizziness and mouth sores. This medication can also lead to diarrhea, gas, hearing problems and constipation. Call a physician when naproxen leads to these effects.
Naproxen's more serious side effects include visual changes, back pain, pale skin and a fast heartbeat. Other side effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes, trouble breathing or swallowing, itching, a sore throat, a fever, stomach pain and chills. Inform a doctor immediately when naproxen causes these effects.
Naproxen's dose may require reduction when a sufferer is taking such medications as perindopril, methotrexate, probenacid, metoprolol or nadolol.
Naproxen is available as a delayed-release, regular or extended-release tablet and liquid. This medication is taken every six to eight hours for pain or as indicated.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen, commonly sold as Motrin, is also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to relieve headaches. It can also treat back pain, a toothache, menstrual cramps and arthritis.
Drugs.com says that ibuprofen's less serious side effects include gas, bloating, ringing in the ears, a skin rash or nervousness. Ibuprofen can also lead to neck stiffness, nervousness and a seizure or light sensitivity. Notify a physician when ibuprofen's less concerning side effects remain for greater than a week.
Ibuprofen's more serious side effects include chest pain, a black or bloody stool, a sore throat, a fever, rapid weight gain and neck stiffness. This medication can also lead to decreased urination, shortness of breath, clay-colored stools and muscle weakness. Sometimes, this drug can lead to a red rash, muscle weakness and coughing up of blood. Notify a physician when ibuprofen leads to these effects.
A reduction in ibuprofen's dose may be necessary when the sufferer has such diseases as asthma, liver or kidney disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Ibuprofen is a tablet taken daily or as needed.
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, and Caffeine
Acetaminophen, butalbital and caffeine, commonly sold as Fiorcet, Alagesic, Anolor 300, Repan or Zebutal, is yet another combination medication used to manage headaches. Specifically, this medication treats tension headaches.
Drugs.com says that this drug's less serious side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, a poor appetite and stomach pain. This medication can also lead to anxiousness, confusion, a dry mouth and stomach pain. Notify a physician when acetaminophen, butalbital and caffeine's less concerning side effects develop.
This medication's serious side effects include shortness of breath, a fast or pounding heartbeat, nausea, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, body aches and easy bleeding or bruising. Tell a physician when acetaminophen, butalbital and caffeine leads to these effects.
A decrease in this drug's dose may be needed when the sufferer has kidney or liver disease, mental illness and suicidal thoughts.
This medication is available as a tablet taken daily or as indicated.
