That throbbing, aching, overpowering pain emanating from your head isn’t just a typical headache – it’s a migraine. If you’ve ever experienced a migraine, you should know that it can, and most probably will limit what you’ll be able to get done in a day. Luckily, there are migraine medications that you can easily purchase over the counter for quick and easy relief.
Once you do step into the drugstore and take a look at all the migraine medication they offer, you may find yourself in a dumbfounded situation. Of all the countless options on the shelves, which is the best migraine medicine for you?
Because you deserve something that is effective and fast to relieve your migraine, you should avoid anything that won’t work for you. Find out how to choose the best over the counter migraine medicine by following this detailed guide.
Top 10 Migraine Medicine Chart
Picture | Name | Form | Price | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Excedrin Migraine 300 Coated Caplets | Caplets | $$ | 4.8 | |
2. Advil Migraine - 80 Liquid Filled Capsules | Gel capsules | $ | 4.4 | |
3. Migrelief Original Formula, Triple Therapy with Puracol, 60-Caplets | Caplets | $$$$ | 4.3 | |
4. Vita Sciences Advanced Powerful Migraine Relief Formula | Gel capsules | $$$$ | 4.2 | |
5. Family Tree Remedies Preventa Migraine- with PA Free Butterbur Root, Magnesium, Riboflavin, and Feverfew | Capsules | $$$ | 4.1 | |
6. Mycratine Migraine Pain Relief Advanced Formula, 4 Count 2 Fl Oz | Liquid | $$ | 4.0 | |
7. Eu Natural In Control Headache & Migraine Relief - Fight Severe Pain, Nausea, and Sensitivity | Capsules | $$$ | 3.9 | |
8. Hyland's Migraine Headache Relief Tablets, Natural Migraine Relief, 60 Count | Tablets | $ | 3.8 | |
9. Dr. King's Natural Medicine Migraine Relief, 2 Fluid Ounce | Spray | $ | 3.5 | |
10. Basic Vigor Nutraceuticals Natural Migraine Relief - with Feverfew, Magnesium, Taurine & Vitamin B1 | Capsules | $$ | 3.5 |
Buying Information for Migraine Medicine
While your body might respond well to a specific migraine medication, another person’s may not. Discovering the best migraine medicine that suits your system depends on how well you’re able to consider these three factors.
- Liquid vs Tablet vs Spray. When you check what migraine medication options you have, it’s likely that you’ll encounter them in different forms. Most come as tablets or capsules, but there are others that are in the form of syrups and sprays.
- Tablets. Tablets, capsules, and caplets all need to pass through the digestive system before they’re metabolized. That means it could take some time before you can feel their effects. Despite this however, they are still the most popular form of migraine medication because they’re affordable, accessible, and have a longer shelf life.
- Liquid. Often, a liquid formula migraine medicine is taken in one dosage. They take effect fast because the stomach no longer needs to melt them as it would a tablet or capsule. They can be very potent, however, causing undesirable side effects both immediately and in the long run.
- Spray. Migraine medicine that comes as a spray is the most potent of all three. This particular form requires only up to three sprays directed at the back of the throat to take effect. This method is the fastest acting, mainly because it is directly absorbed by the tissues at the back of the throat. The only issues here are that it’s not as easy to find, and it can be very pricey.
- Multi-Symptom Relief. It’s rare that a migraine will come just as a very painful headache. Often, these instances come hand in hand with a plethora of other symptoms associated with head pain. Nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and light-headedness are just some of the other things you might feel during a migraine. Depending on what symptoms you’re trying to treat, considering whether the medication you’ve chosen also targets these other problems will help guarantee real relief.
- Chronic Migraines. There are some people who experience migraines more frequently as a cause of an underlying issue. For chronic migraines, choosing a medication that’s easier on your system will prevent problems involving toxicity in the long run. For instance, a potent spray can work well for a single occurrence, but if you plan to use such a powerful medication as more of a maintenance drug, you might develop dependence.
Top 3 Best Migraine Medicine Reviews
1. Excedrin Migraine 300 Coated Caplets
One of the best migraine medicine options you’ll find is the Excedrin Migraine 300 Coated Caplets. These coated tablets have been observed to work almost instantly, offering lasting relief to users who took a single dosage throughout the day.
The formula mainly includes acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine as its main ingredients, which all come together to provide real pain reduction. The acetaminophen and aspirin are both NSAIDS that numb out pain, while the caffeine works to constrict dilated blood vessels that cause throbbing sensations throughout the head region.
While it’s not exactly the cheapest tablet on the list, many of those who have used Excedrin Migraine 300 Coated Caplets claim that they experienced effective relief after just one use. What’s more, this particular migraine medicine formula is compatible with a vast number of people, making it the first option for many who are seeking a good fit for their particular situation.
2. Advil Migraine – 80 Liquid Filled Capsules
Advil is a popular name among pain reliever medication, with most of their products aimed at relieving headaches and migraines. Their Advil Migraine Liquid Filled Capsules are easy to find, commonly available across most drugstores, making it a popular choice among migraine sufferers.
The medication is fairly effective, working faster than others because of its liquid filled properties. This makes it easier for the stomach to digest and absorb the medicine, because it’s not one solid tablet. Despite all of this however, some users complain that Advil Migraine Liquid Filled Capsules can sometimes be a hit or miss, relieving only some instances of migraines.
3. Migrelief Original Formula, Triple Therapy
Another of the best migraine medications available is Migrelief Original Formula Triple Therapy with Puracol. This all-natural medicine works great to relieve migraines, and does not cause as many side effects as its chemical and synthetic counterparts.
However, because of its all-natural formulation, some users say that the product doesn’t provide relief at all. So depending on how well your body will respond to the organic components of Migrelief Original Formula Triple Therapy with Puracol, it may be necessary to go through a few other options to find the best fit for your needs.