Things haven't been so simple, though, since acetaminophen and ibuprofen climbed onto pharmacy shelves. And recently, with the appearance of naproxen sodium, they got even more complicated. Basically, the four general types of pain killer are about equally effective. But some do work better than others for certain problems, and their side effects differ significantly. Here's what you should know about these medications, along with a few examples of common brand names to help you in your shopping.
Generic brands are widely available and are cheaper yet.
Overuse can lead to upset stomach, bleeding in the digestive tract, and ulcers. Children should avoid it because of Reyes syndrome, and women should not take it during the last three months of pregnancy. But you might keep some around for your significant other, because ibuprofen does seem to be more effective than aspirin for menstrual cramps. Side effects, too, are similar to those of aspirin, with the exception that ibuprofen is not associated with Reyes syndrome. Used as directed, acetaminophen has no side effects.