Is Excedrin Or Advil Better For Treating Migraines?

If you've ever had a migraine, you know how debilitating they can be. The throbbing pain, the sensitivity to light and sound, and the nausea can all make it impossible to function (via Healthline). And if you've ever tried to treat a migraine, you know that finding something that actually works can be a challenge. There are a lot of different options out there, but two of the most popular are Excedrin and Advil. Excedrin uses the main ingredients acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine to target pain, while Advil contains ibuprofen, which is an anti-inflammatory (via GoodRx). So which one is better for treating migraines?

It really depends on the individual. While Excedrin has been shown to start treating migraine symptoms more quickly, some people may have negative side effects from the caffeine. People who are sensitive to caffeine may find more success when taking Advil, although they may have to wait longer to feel the effects of the medication. At the end of the day, it's all about finding what works best for you. If you're struggling to find relief from your migraines, talk to your doctor about trying Excedrin or Advil. With a little trial and error, you're sure to find the treatment that works best for you.

Migraine headaches are a type of headache that can cause severe pain and sometimes other symptoms like nausea and vomiting. They are different from other types of headaches because they're more likely to be recurrent and can be triggered by certain things (via Mayo Clinic). Migraine headaches usually last for a few hours to a few days, and can happen once or multiple times per month. Some people with migraines only have them occasionally, while others have them frequently.

There are two main types of migraines: migraine with aura and migraine without aura. Aura refers to symptoms that happen before or during a migraine headache, such as seeing flashes of light or feeling dizzy. Migraine headaches are thought to be caused by changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, which is a major pain pathway. Imbalances in brain chemicals, such as serotonin, may also play a role. There are several ways to treat migraines, including over-the-counter and prescription medications (via Cleveland Clinic). Some people find that certain lifestyle changes, like getting enough sleep and avoiding triggers, can also help. If you have migraines that are severe or happen frequently, your doctor may suggest preventive treatments to reduce the number of headaches you have.