Quick answer: a tension headache or a mild to moderate migraine usually gets better with an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever taken as soon as the pain starts, plus rest, fluids, and some quiet time in a dark room. The most common options at U.S. pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) are acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin. That said, if it's "the worst headache of your life," hits suddenly like a thunderclap, comes with a fever and a stiff neck, follows a blow to the head, or comes with weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking or seeing, call 911 right away.
What can you take for a headache?
For a common headache or a mild to moderate migraine, what helps most people is an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever taken as soon as the pain begins. The options most people reach for at U.S. pharmacies are:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): a solid first choice, especially if you have a sensitive stomach or can't take anti-inflammatories.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): an anti-inflammatory; take it with a little food.
- Naproxen (Aleve): another anti-inflammatory that lasts longer.
Always follow the dose on the package and don't combine several pain relievers on your own. These are over-the-counter products: they ease the symptom but don't cure the cause, and they don't replace a medical exam if the pain is severe, frequent, or different from your usual headaches. If you notice any red flag (see below), call 911.
What to take for a mild or moderate migraine
These over-the-counter medicines relieve most common headaches. Take the dose shown on the label and don't go over it. How much is right for you depends on your age and weight, so always read the package:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): often the first choice if you have a sensitive stomach or can't take anti-inflammatories.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve): anti-inflammatories that many people find helpful for migraines; take them with a little food.
- Aspirin: can help adults, but should never be given to children or teenagers.
- Some products combine a pain reliever with caffeine, which helps certain migraines.
Try not to use pain relievers more than 2 or 3 days a week on a regular basis — overusing them can trigger "rebound" headaches. Check with a doctor first if you're pregnant, take other medications, or have liver, kidney, stomach, or heart problems. If you're not sure what's right for you, book a video visit and we'll help you figure it out.
Non-medicine steps that really help
- Drink water: dehydration is a very common trigger.
- Rest in a dark, quiet room; try a cold cloth on your forehead or warmth on your neck.
- Protect your sleep and don't skip meals.
- Cut back on screen time and on too much alcohol or caffeine.
- Learn your triggers (stress, certain foods, schedule changes) so you can prevent episodes.
Red flags: when it's an emergency
A headache can sometimes be a sign of something serious. Call 911 or go to the ER if any of these show up:
- The worst headache of your life, or one that hits suddenly "like a thunderclap."
- With a high fever and a stiff or painful neck.
- After a blow or fall that hit your head.
- With weakness on one side of the body, a drooping face, confusion, or trouble speaking, walking, or seeing (possible stroke).
- During pregnancy, if it comes with blurred vision or swelling, or if it gets worse fast and nothing helps.
Video doctor visit, with or without insurance
If your headache is mild or moderate but recurring, bothersome, or you're not sure what to take, you can talk in Spanish with a Colombian doctor from your phone or computer, with no app to download. The visit is a flat $88, one-time payment, and it's available with or without insurance anywhere in the United States, every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Colombia time). We give you a plan with over-the-counter options and, honestly, tell you if your case needs a prescription or an in-person exam. Book your visit here. Remember: in an emergency, always call 911 first.