Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are medications you can buy at your local drugstore without a prescription. OTC medications are often helpful for people with mild to moderate migraine attacks.

If you’re living with migraine, it’s important to know your OTC options and what you can expect when you take them. This way, you can use them effectively as part of your migraine treatment plan.

Which Over-the-Counter Medications Do People Use for Migraine?

There are several over-the-counter pain relievers that can help with migraine. Some of them also contain caffeine. For best results, take the first dose of these pain relievers as soon as you notice migraine attack symptoms.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). One older study shows that it offers some pain relief for many people experiencing with migraine headaches, though it only stops migraine pain and other symptoms completely for a few. A later study, primarily in children, had similar results. This means that ibuprofen may be an effective part of your migraine cocktail.

The recommended ibuprofen dose is 200 milligrams to 400 milligrams at the start of a migraine attack. If needed, you can repeat the dose every four to six hours. Most people start feeling relief within 20 to 30 minutes.

Naproxen Sodium

Naproxen sodium is another over-the-counter NSAID, and it’s often used to treat migraine attacks. Like ibuprofen, it can offer some relief, but it doesn’t completely stop migraine attacks for most people. Doctors often recommend naproxen when a person can’t take ibuprofen or aspirin or doesn’t respond well to those medications.

Naproxen is available over the counter at a dose of 220 milligrams and can be taken every 12 hours. People typically start feeling relief within about an hour of taking it. If you need stronger treatment, your doctor can prescribe a higher dose of naproxen.

Aspirin

Some people prefer aspirin to help with migraine attacks. Aspirin is an NSAID, just like ibuprofen and naproxen, but it works a little differently. It blocks pain and swelling in a unique way that might help some people more than other options.

A higher dose (975 milligrams or three of the 325 milligram tablets), taken right when you feel a migraine attack coming on, can sometimes stop it or reduce the pain. It’s important to know that aspirin will not help associated migraine symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.

There are two different kinds of aspirin available over the counter: nonenteric-coated and enteric-coated aspirin. For migraine attacks, choose nonenteric, as it works faster — usually within 20 to 30 minutes.

Always talk to your doctor before taking more than the recommended dose. Some people take a small amount of aspirin every day to try to prevent migraine attacks, but this should only be done with your doctor’s approval.

Acetaminophen

Another over-the-counter migraine medication that some people use to help with migraine attacks is acetaminophen, such as Tylenol. Unlike some other medications, it may help reduce migraine symptoms, not just pain. For some people, it can even stop migraine symptoms entirely.

Acetaminophen is also generally safe, and most people can take it without side effects. The recommended dose is 1,000 milligrams as soon as you notice a migraine attack starting. Acetaminophen pills usually start working 30 to 45 minutes after you take them.

Combination Medications

Some medications combine several ingredients in one. These combination formulas can be particularly helpful for those with severe migraine attacks.

The most common over-the-counter combinations contain aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine. Caffeine helps constrict (narrow) the blood vessels to help relieve migraine pain. These medications seem to be effective at reducing or eliminating migraine symptoms. You may feel migraine relief about 30 minutes after taking the medication.

What To Consider When Using Over-the-Counter Medications for Migraine

While over-the-counter medications are more affordable than prescription medications, they still carry risks and potential side effects, like any medications. Always follow dosage instructions carefully and be aware of these important factors when taking OTC pain medications for migraine.

Side Effects

All medications can cause side effects, and OTC migraine treatments are no exception. NSAIDs, for example, can irritate the lining of your intestines and your stomach. While some people never experience this, others may develop significant stomach issues if they take these medications regularly.

Aspirin carries additional risks — it can cause you to bleed more than usual, which can cause issues throughout the body. Additionally, aspirin should be avoided in children, as it may trigger Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that causes brain swelling and liver damage.

Side effects for acetaminophen are usually minimal. However, taking too much can cause liver damage.

It’s important to discuss any drugs you’re taking with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you fully understand the potential risks and side effects.

Medication-Overuse Headaches

Some over-the-counter medications can actually cause headaches if you take them too often. For instance, taking NSAIDs more than 10 to 15 days every month can cause medication-overuse headaches. This risk also applies to other OTC medications, especially those that include caffeine.

If you find yourself taking these medications more often than you’d like or you think you might be experiencing medication-overuse headaches, talk to your healthcare provider about alternative migraine treatment options.

The Risks of Mixing Medications

Some people take more than one over-the-counter medication when they don’t get enough relief from a single product. But combining medications can be risky — especially if they contain similar ingredients.

Avoid using two NSAIDs at the same time, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Also, pay attention to combination medications. These often include multiple active ingredients, which increases the chance of accidentally taking too much of the same substance.

For example, if you’re already taking a combination product that contains aspirin, don’t take extra aspirin on top of that. Doubling up on active ingredients — even unintentionally — can lead to serious side effects.

If you’re not sure whether medications are safe to take together, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.

More Effective Options

Even if OTC medications help you manage migraine attacks, prescription treatments may offer better relief. Consider discussing prescription medication options with your doctor if:

• Your current medications aren’t providing full pain relief
• You need medication more than two days per week
• You experience side effects or health concerns from OTC medications
• You regularly exceed recommended dosages to get relief

You might also need to add preventive medications to your plan. These help reduce how often migraine attacks happen, rather than just treating them when they appear. Many people find combining prevention with occasional OTC use can offer better control and fewer migraine attack days overall.

Talk to Your Doctor

Even if over-the-counter medications help, it’s important to discuss migraine attacks with your doctor. They can also help you identify more effective treatment options. It’s also important for them to know your history of migraine, as this information helps guide any medical advice, prescriptions, or other treatments they may recommend.

If you’ve noticed your usual OTC medications aren’t working as well anymore, be sure to share this with your doctor too. That way, they can work with you to find an effective prescription medication for your needs. In some cases, they may refer you to a neurologist — a specialist with advanced knowledge of migraine treatment who can provide more targeted care.

Remember, you don’t have to endure migraine symptoms. Follow up with your neurology team until you find the solutions you need. Working with them can lead to meaningful improvements in both your quality of life and overall well-being.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMigraineTeam is the social network for people with migraine and their loved ones. On MyMigraineTeam, more than 85,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with migraine.

Do you use any over-the-counter medications to help with your migraine attacks? What has worked best for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.