references
Harvard Health Publishing: “Which painkiller is safest for you?”
Stanford Health Care: “Types of Headache”
National Library of Medicine: “Headaches - danger signs”
Mayo Clinic: “Medication overuse headaches”
National Library of Medicine: “Muscle Pain”
Harvard Health Publishing: “The best meds for back pain”
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “7 Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery”
Arthritis Foundation: “Osteoarthritis”
National Library of Medicine: “Over-the-counter medicines”
Mayo Clinic: “Sore throat”
American Academy of Family Physicians: “Chronic Pain Medicines”
Food and Drug Administration: “FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes”
Cleveland Clinic: "Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)"
Harvard Health Publishing: "Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication?"
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: "Acetaminophen: Avoiding Liver Injury"
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
If you have a throbbing headache — or any other type of everyday pain — there are many over-the-counter pain relievers you can take.
Image Credit: Moyo Studio/E+/GettyImages
Image Credit: Moyo Studio/E+/GettyImages
NSAIDs
Before treating a headache, make sure that it’s not a symptom of something more serious, like a stroke or a brain aneurysm. These headaches tend to be severe, start suddenly and get worse with time, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Changes in vision, numbness, tingling or weakness can be red flags, Dr. Mieses Malchuk says. If you have symptoms like this, go to an emergency room or contact your health care provider right away.
If you have symptoms like this, go to an emergency room or contact your health care provider right away.
6 Lower-Back Pain Exercises to Ease Your Aching Muscles
Many cold and flu medicines also contain acetaminophen and other painkillers. If you’re taking any combination products, make sure you check the label so you don’t go over the daily recommended dosage which, for acetaminophen, is typically 3,000 milligrams a day, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
If you’re taking any combination products, make sure you check the label so you don’t go over the daily recommended dosage which, for acetaminophen, is typically 3,000 milligrams a day, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
What’s the Best Over-the-Counter Option When You Have a Fever?
Both acetaminophen and NSAIDs can sometimes interact with certain other medications. If you take prescription medications, check with your doctor if there is any type of pain reliever you should avoid.
Harvard Health Publishing: “Which painkiller is safest for you?”
Stanford Health Care: “Types of Headache”
National Library of Medicine: “Headaches - danger signs”
Mayo Clinic: “Medication overuse headaches”
National Library of Medicine: “Muscle Pain”
Harvard Health Publishing: “The best meds for back pain”
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “7 Ways to Treat Chronic Back Pain Without Surgery”
Arthritis Foundation: “Osteoarthritis”
National Library of Medicine: “Over-the-counter medicines”
Mayo Clinic: “Sore throat”
American Academy of Family Physicians: “Chronic Pain Medicines”
Food and Drug Administration: “FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes”
Cleveland Clinic: "Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)"
Harvard Health Publishing: "Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication?"
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: "Acetaminophen: Avoiding Liver Injury"
