Episodic Tension Headache Relief
Episodic
tension headaches are those that occur less than 15 days per month. For an episodic tension
headache not associated with a disease, your healthcare provider will often recommend over-the-counter pain medications, such as:
These medicines should be taken at the first symptom of a tension headache. They can provide quick relief of tension headaches.
If these medicines are not effective, your healthcare provider may recommend several other over-the-counter medicines. These medicines combine several medicines into one and include:
- Aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine (Excedrin® Extra Strength, Excedrin® Migraine)
- Isometheptene mucate, chloralphenazone, and acetaminophen (Midrin®, Migratine®).
For some people, stronger pain medicines by prescription may be needed. This includes other NSAIDs, such as:
Keep in mind that just because one NSAID does not work, it does not mean that all of them will not work.
People with infrequent tension headaches may benefit from a hot shower or moist heat applied to the back of the neck. Cervical collars are sometimes recommended as an aid to good posture.
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