Lately I've been having A LOT of headaches. This has been happening on and off for the past 6 months or so. I don't think they are migranes, because I haven't experienced sensitivity to light/sound or anything. Some weeks it's like I have a headache all day almost every day. I've been taking OTC meds (Tylenol or Advil) but a couple of months ago I read about how much damage they do to your liver from taking them long term, so I haven't been taking them near as much anymore.

I think any combination of things could be causing my headaches:

-Stress/Tension (I'm in my freshman year of college and have a heavy workload)

-My glasses (not the prescription lenses but where the frames rest over my ear... that's caused some irritation for me before, and I have a friend whose dr. said that can cause bad headaches)

-Maybe not eating as well as I should (although I have been eating more vegetables lately and I take a multi-vitamin, Vitamin B, and Magnesium Oxide... both of which I read can help with some types of headaches, but they're not really working for me a whole lot)

So my question is... are there any OTC meds that are safter than Tylenol/Advil to take for headaches?

Also, does anyone know of any prescriptions that doctors can give for headaches that aren't migranes?

Thanks!

Aleve is suppossed to be safer than Tylenol, but there are drawbacks, just like with aspirin containing meds too much can cause stomach bleeding....For home remedy try ginger and fever few (found at health food or vitamin stores) There is also a product called HeadOn that has good reviews, they make three strenghts, here is the link:

HeadOn

I would really advise you to either talk to your doctor, it could be your eyes or possibly you need a chiropractor...you should also ask your local pharmacist who can direct to you to safe and effective OTC meds.

aleve is in the same category as ibuprofen; generally safe, but having potential intestinal problems including bleeding, and at sustained high doses, kidney damage. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is generally considered safer. No drug is completely safe, although I'd say something you rub on your head is likely very safe, in that it appears to contain nothing expected to be useful, and absorption would be next to nothing... In other words, a fraud. Not unlike a chiropractor for headaches (they can help the occasional back problem.)

It's more likely to be nothing too serious, at your age and given your stresses. But persistingly recurring headaches ought to be checked out. Start with the campus health clinic.

quote:

My glasses ... that's caused some irritation for me before, and I have a friend whose dr. said that can cause bad headaches)

Might be worth trying one of the topical OTC meds for that one. If it eliminates the headache, you won't need to see anyone.

TDD

TDD's are like the nicotine patches people use, but you can get creams OTC that deliver NSAIDs instead, to a small local area. A drugstore pharmacist can help you find one without a prescription.

This site explains why they're safer than oral delivery.

klik

I had a really tender spot from my reading glasses, created a kind of neuralgia. TDD cream worked. You're not supposed to use them without supervision if you're on blood thinners, though. But I don't suppose you are, at your age.

You should not be getting headaches that much. You really ought to do like sid says and go see a doctor. Could be glasses, or diet or stress or the way you're sleeping but it isn't something to simply dose up with pain killers.

Do you drink caffeine? Regular use of caffeine can cause headaches when you don't get the regular dose in.

I used to get headaches everyday for a year. I think it was because I needed glasses. Had I gone to the doctor earlier I wouldn't have had to put up with all the pain.