context: Pain relievers are typically the first drugs recommended by doctors for migraine and headaches. Many of these medications are over-the-counter, or available without a doctor's prescription, while other headache drugs require a prescription. When taking these headache drugs, avoid products that contain caffeine. Any medication containing barbiturates or narcotics should be used sparingly. Note: if symptomatic relief medications are used more than twice a week, you should see your doctor, who may prescribe preventive headache medications. Overuse of symptomatic medications can actually cause more frequent headaches or worsen headache symptoms. Drugs for relief of migraine or headache symptoms include: Generic Name Brand Name Use Precautions Possible Side Effects Acetaminophen Tylenol Pain relief Few side effects if taken as directed, although they may include: changes in blood counts and liver damage Aspirin Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin Pain relief Do not use in children younger than age 14 years due to the potential for Reye's syndrome (a life-threatening neurological condition) Heartburn, gastrointestinal bleeding, bronchospasm or constriction that causes narrowing of the airways, anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction), ulcers Fenoprofen Nalfon Prevention of tension headaches; migraines; hormone headaches Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, dizziness, drowsiness Flurbiprofen Ansaid Prevention of tension headaches; migraines. Treatment of tension headache; migraines Gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, dizziness, vision problems, ulcers Ibuprofen Advil, Motrin IB, Nuprin Treatment of tension headache; migraines Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage Ketoprofen Actron Prevention of tension headaches; migraines. Treatment of migraines Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage Nabumetone Relafen Prevention of tension headaches; migraines Constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting Naproxen Aleve Prevention of tension headaches; hormone headaches. Treatment of migraines Gastrointestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, rash, liver damage Diclofenac Cataflam Treatment of tension headache; migraines Stomach upset, bloating, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of appetite Ketorolac Toradol Treatment of tension headache Gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, dizziness, vision problems, ulcers Meclofenate Meclomen Treatment of tension headache Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, dizziness, drowsiness Carisoprodol Soma Treatment of tension headache Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headache, nervousness, skin rash, bleeding Orphenadrine citrate Norflex Treatment of tension headache Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nervousness, blurred vision Methocarbamol Robaxin Treatment of tension headache Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, darkening of urine Cyclobenzaprine HCL Flexeril Treatment of tension headache Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness Metaxalone Skelaxin Treatment of tension headache Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nervousness Over-the-counter pain relievers have been demonstrated to be safe when used as directed. But keep the following precautions in mind: Know the active ingredients in each product. Be sure to read the entire label. Do not exceed the recommended dosage on the package. Carefully consider how you use pain relievers and all medications. It is easy to over-medicate yourself. Check with your doctor before taking products containing aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen if: you have a bleeding problem; asthma; recently had surgery or dental surgery or are about to have surgery; have ulcers, kidney or liver disorders; or take any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications ( NSAIDs). Check with your doctor before taking acetaminophen if you have kidney or liver problems.