Is Aspirin Best For Headaches?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Aspirin is a well-known over-the-counter NSAID that's often used to treat mild to moderate pain and inflammation. Research has shown that

when taken in high doses, aspirin can be effective at alleviating acute migraine pain

.

Is aspirin or ibuprofen better for a headache?


Ibuprofen is more suitable than aspirin

for longer-term use in situations like this. Overall, Mikhael says they can both be used to treat the same problems, including: Pain caused by inflammation (such as from an injury or illness) Headaches.

Is aspirin good for headaches?

Aspirin is an

everyday painkiller for aches and pains

such as , toothache and period pain. It can also be used to treat colds and “flu-like” symptoms, and to bring down a high temperature. It is also known as acetylsalicylic acid.

Can aspirin make a headache worse?

They're often the first thing we turn to when a headache strikes. But people who regularly take painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol and triptans

What is better for headaches Tylenol or aspirin?


Aspirin is safer than acetaminophen

, he said, though to be used as a pain reliever it requires much higher doses — which can have side effects like stomach upset.

What should be avoided when taking aspirin?

Avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking can increase your risk of stomach bleeding. If you are taking aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, avoid also taking

ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

. Ibuprofen can make aspirin less effective in protecting your heart and blood vessels.

Is it better to take aspirin or Tylenol?


Both aspirin and Tylenol

are effective against aches, pains, and fever. Tylenol has the advantage of being more generally safe for children, but it can also be more harmful in high doses. Aspirin has the benefit of potentially helping to prevent stroke and heart attack.

What gets rid of a headache fast?

  • Try a Cold Pack.
  • Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress.
  • Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head.
  • Dim the Lights.
  • Try Not to Chew.
  • Hydrate.
  • Get Some Caffeine.
  • Practice Relaxation.

How much aspirin should I take for headache?

For headache pain, the recommended adult dose of aspirin is

325 to 650 mg every three to four hours as needed, up to six times per day

.

What can I take for a headache that won't go away?

  • OTC treatments, such as acetaminophen or Excedrin.
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
  • prescription migraine medications, such as triptans, ergotamine, beta-blockers, or calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists.

How much aspirin is safe per day?

The researchers conclude that the optimal daily dose of aspirin therapy is

between 75 mg and 100 mg a day

. Smith says the AHA recommends 75 mg to 325 mg daily for people with a history of heart attack, unstable angina, or blood clot-related strokes.

What's better for a headache?

The good news is that you can treat most tension headaches with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as

acetaminophen (Tylenol)

or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). You could also try a warm shower, a nap, or a light snack. Migraine.

What OTC is best for headaches?

Simple pain relievers available without a prescription are usually the first line of treatment for reducing headache pain. These include the drugs aspirin,

ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)

and naproxen sodium (Aleve).

Can I drink coffee with aspirin?

Aspirin and caffeine

can cause Reye's syndrome

, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children. This medicine may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Is aspirin safe to take everyday?

You shouldn't start daily aspirin therapy on your own, however. While taking an

occasional aspirin or two is safe for most adults to use for headaches

, body aches or fever, daily use of aspirin can have serious side effects, including internal bleeding.

Why is aspirin no longer recommended?

In response, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology updated their guidelines last March. They no longer recommend aspirin for

cardiovascular disease prevention

in adults aged 70 and older or for those with a higher risk of bleeding, like those with stomach (peptic) ulcers.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.