Whether you’re dealing with occasional headaches or frequent migraines, finding the right medication can make all the difference in managing your pain. When a headache strikes, the last thing you want to do is spend time in the drug store contemplating which over-the-counter (OTC) concoction will do the trick.
Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol, Tylenol Extra Strength) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) are often the go-to medications for mild to moderate headaches.
When it comes to more severe migraines, however, many people turn to specialized OTC medications such as Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength. While both options are designed to alleviate pain, understanding their differences can help you choose the right one for your needs.
POPSUGAR consulted the experts to see how Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength compare.
What Is Excedrin Migraine?
Excedrin Migraine is an FDA-approved OTC medication used to relieve mild to moderate pain associated with migraine headaches. It contains three active ingredients: acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. These ingredients work together to target the various symptoms of migraines, including pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Excedrin Migraine is available as a caplet meant to be taken orally. Each caplet contains 250 mg acetaminophen, 250 mg aspirin, and 65 mg caffeine.
What Is Excedrin Extra Strength?
Excedrin Extra Strength is another FDA-approved OTC medication designed to treat a variety of minor aches and pains caused by headaches, arthritis, toothaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or the common cold. Its active ingredients include acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine, just like Excedrin Migraine.
Excedrin Extra Strength is also available as a caplet to be taken orally. Each caplet contains 250 mg acetaminophen, 250 mg aspirin, and 65 mg caffeine.
Excedrin Migraine vs. Extra Strength
So, what’s the difference between the two? According to Nicholas Tzikas, MD, a family medicine doctor and neurologist at Yale New Haven Health, Excedrin Migraine is marketed, and FDA approved, explicitly for migraines, while Excedrin Extra Strength is considered more of a general pain reliever.
One important aspect highlighted by Dr. Tzikas is the cautionary note on the Excedrin Migraine label regarding Medication Overuse Headaches (MOH), also known as “rebound headaches.”
MOH occurs when a person relies on headache medication too frequently, leading to a cycle of headaches. To reduce the risk of MOH, the Excedrin Migraine label advises against using the medication for migraines more than 10 days per month.
Dr. Tzikas also notes the risk of MOH with Excedrin Extra Strength. For example, “If a migraineur is treating their chronic back pain with Excedrin Extra Strength for more than 10 days per month over several months, they will likely develop MOH despite not using the medication for their headaches, as the brain does not tell the indication apart,” Dr. Tzikas told POPSUGAR. “I caution my patients that they should not regularly take an acute medication on more than two days per week/10 days per month.”
According to the labeling, the recommended dosage for Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength is as follows:
- Excedrin Migraine: Adults take two caplets with a glass of water. Do not take more than two caplets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor. Consumers under 18 should not take Excedrin Migraine unless directed by a doctor.
- Excedrin Extra Strength: Adults and children 12 years and over take two caplets every six hours, not more than eight in 24 hours. Consumers under 12 years should not take Excedrin Extra Strength unless directed by a doctor.
Excedrin Side Effects
Like any medication, Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength may cause side effects.
Common side effects associated with Excedrin include:
- Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., upset stomach, heartburn)
- Rebound headaches when used too frequently
- Irritability, jitteriness, or difficulty sleeping
In rare cases, Excedrin may cause more serious side effects such as liver damage, allergic reactions, stomach bleeding, and Reye’s syndrome — a serious condition characterized by liver and brain swelling.
Remember, self-diagnosis and self-medication may not always be the best approach when it comes to managing your health. If you’re considering taking Excedrin Migraine or Excedrin Extra Strength, consider speaking with a healthcare professional first. They’ll be able to evaluate your symptoms and provide personalized advice on the most suitable treatment options based on your needs.
9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Bifold Repairs Near Me Bifold Repairs Near Me
10 Life Lessons That We Can Learn From Door Unlock Service how to open locked Car door without key
See What Top Rated Cots Tricks The Celebs Are Making Use
Of top Rated Cots
Could Assessment For Adhd In Adults Be The Key To Achieving
2023? Adhd Assessment uk cost
Your Family Will Be Thankful For Having This Land
Rover Discovery 4 Key Fob Replacement land rover key fob not Working
Who’s The Most Renowned Expert On Vauxhall Zafira Key Fob Replacement?
How To Take Apart A Vauxhall Key
10 Pragmatic Slots Site That Are Unexpected 프라그마틱 정품확인
Nursery Cots Tools To Help You Manage Your Daily Lifethe One Nursery Cots Trick That Everybody Should Know Nursery Cots
The 10 Scariest Things About Pellet Stoves Inserts pellet stoves Inserts
Why You Should Concentrate On Improving Car Key Replacement Audi audi key copy (Reyna)
Why We Are In Love With High Functioning Anxiety Disorder (And You Should Too!) gerd
anxiety disorder – Arnette,
9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Audi Key Programming Cheap
9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Honda Car Key Replacement honda car Key Replacement
20 Inspirational Quotes About Smart Key Replacement smart car key supplier
You’ll Never Guess This Double Stroller
With Car Seat’s Secrets Double stroller with Car seat
The peritoneal form of mesothelioma differs
from the pleural mesothelioma which affects the linings of the
chest and lung. It develops in tissues that line the abdomen.
Also visit my web site :: asbestos
A Step-By-Step Guide For Choosing Your Audi A4 Spare Key audi tt key fob not working
– carlocksmiths28549.blogoxo.com,
5 Laws That Can Help The 3 Wheel Buggy Industry rear facing 3 wheel stroller (Simone)
What Is The Reason Why Fabric 2 Seater Sofas Are So Helpful For COVID-19 Fabric 2 seater Sofas sale
The Evolution Of Private ADHD Assessment Online how to get a private adhd assessment (Stephaine)
The Reasons Electric Suites Fires Is More Difficult Than You
Think Electric Fire Suites
Learn To Communicate Pragmatic Official Website To Your Boss 프라그마틱 슬롯 조작 (bookmarkhard.Com)
What’s The Current Job Market For Toyota Keys Replacement Professionals Like?
Toyota Keys Replacement
An Adventure Back In Time How People Talked About Double Glazed Sash Windows Wood 20 Years Ago replacement Sash Windows
The 10 Scariest Things About Mesothelioma Legal Mesothelioma legal
Guide To Car Seat Buggy 2 In 1: The Intermediate Guide On Car Seat Buggy 2 In 1 car seat buggy 2 In 1
You’ll Be Unable To Guess Portable Treadmill With Incline’s Tricks portable treadmill with
incline (Ara)
See What Single Cot Bed Teak Wood Tricks The Celebs Are Using single cot bed teak wood
(Chloe)
See What Composite Door Replacement Lock Tricks The Celebs Are Using composite door Replacement Lock
10 Key Factors To Know Slot Adventures You Didn’t Learn At
School top-rated online slots (Michaela)
Body Massage 하이오피
A Brief History Of The Evolution Of Mini Key Mini car key replacement cost uk