There is a wide range of tablets that help against headaches. Mainly classic painkillers with the active ingredients acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol and ibuprofen are used. But which tablet helps best against headaches? And are interactions to be expected if alcohol is consumed at the same time? We inform you in detail about the topic of headache tablets.
Which headache tablet helps?
In general, tablets with the active ingredients acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol and ibuprofen are recommended for headaches. Combination preparations with acetylsalicylic acid and caffeine or paracetamol and caffeine are also well suited. If you decide to take a tablet, do so as early as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the pain usually gets and the more painkillers need to be used to combat it. However, don’t forget that there are also alternative ways to treat headaches. Here are 10 tips on how to get rid of headaches without any pills at all. Painkillers: which one, when and for what?
Acetylsalicylic acid
Acetylsalicylic acid is an active ingredient commonly used to treat headaches. The pain reliever is also recommended for relieving hangover headaches. Acetylsalicylic acid, on the other hand, is not suitable for children. In them, taking it can trigger the life-threatening Reye’s syndrome. As a general rule, you should not take more than four grams of acetylsalicylic acid a day. One tablet usually contains between 400 and 500 milligrams of the active ingredient. In some cases, taking it can cause irritation of the stomach lining and heartburn. Side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and ringing in the ears are possible with long-term use.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is considered well tolerated and is therefore often used to treat headaches. Even children may take the active ingredient in a suitable dose. Those who suffer from hangover headaches, on the other hand, should better not reach for paracetamol. Since the active ingredient is broken down in the liver just like alcohol, taking it places an additional burden on the liver. As with acetylsalicylic acid, a daily dose of four grams of paracetamol should not be exceeded. One headache tablet usually contains 500 milligrams of paracetamol. Between six and eight hours should elapse between each intake. There is little risk of side effects from taking the tablets. However, an overdose can result in severe liver damage.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a reliable remedy for headaches. However, the active ingredient can be used not only to treat pain, but also to treat inflammation. Unlike inflammatory diseases, only a small dose is needed to treat headaches. Over-the-counter ibuprofen is available in doses up to 400 milligrams. Such a dose is usually sufficient for the treatment of headaches. Possible side effects may include symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. The active ingredient should be taken by children only after consultation with a doctor.
When the headache tablet does not work
If the headache tablet does not work for you, the dose you took may have been too low. However, be sure to check the package insert before taking another tablet. It is also possible that you are not responding to the active ingredient you took. Next time you have a headache, try a different pain reliever and see if it helps you better. However, do not take different tablets at the same time. If you have frequent headaches that cannot be treated with tablets, you should consult a doctor. You may have a migraine that needs to be treated with other medications. Also, resort to alternative measures: in addition to tablets, headaches can also be relieved by sufficient relaxation, some fresh air and adequate hydration.
Dangers of headache pills
Taking a headache tablet once in a while is perfectly fine. However, you should not reach for tablets too often, as this can cause painkiller-induced headaches. As a general rule, painkillers should be taken no more than ten days per month.In addition, you should not resort to headache pills for more than three days at a time. If you suffer from headaches more frequently, you should always consult a doctor. It is important that the cause of the symptoms is found and that adequate treatment can be given. By headache tablets, on the other hand, only the symptoms can be suppressed.
Headache, tablets and alcohol
If you have taken a headache tablet, you should not drink alcohol. Otherwise, you may experience serious drug interactions. Since many painkillers are broken down by the liver, just like alcohol, there may be delays in breakdown and thus an increase in effect. In addition, the liver is severely stressed by the double exposure.
Headache tablets in pregnancy.
During pregnancy, many medications may not be taken. At the same time, however, many women experience frequent headaches, especially during the first three months of pregnancy. If you suffer from such discomfort, you should always first try to relieve it through alternative methods such as relaxation, heat, exercise, sleep or hydration. If the pain does not subside, you can take a headache tablet. Paracetamol is considered safe – if it is not taken too often and not in too high doses. To be on the safe side, however, always talk to your treating doctor before taking a tablet. Drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen, on the other hand, should not be taken during pregnancy. 10 tips against headaches