Question:
What can you take otc for menstual cramps/super bad headahcs?

I have always taken Motrin for cramps/ and darvocet/pecocet for my really really BAD headachs. What will I be able to take now. The headachs are very simular to migraines, I get those too! They are pretty much incapacitating.    — Cindee A. (posted on December 9, 2001)

December 9, 2001
Good Question! I'm sitting here Still waiting for my cramps to go away. Tyelenol never worked and it still isn't even 2 hours later. God I miss ADVIL!
   — Kristin R.

December 9, 2001
My doctor prescribed Celebrex for menstral cramps........it works great!
   — Phiddy B.

December 9, 2001
I never thought I would miss advil so much, I'm taking Ultram for cramps as well as general pain, but I have to go in to my doctor every month to get a new supply. I suuposed I should start talking to them about more than 30 days worth, or at least a few refills.
   — Dee P.

December 9, 2001
I specifically asked this question at my surgeon consult, since Advil/Motrin is a wonderdrug for me. My doc and nutritionist both said that you can take it, just make sure to take it with food. I have read elsewhere that you should not take Motrin/Advil after surgery due to the irritation to the stomach, etc, but I'm going on what my doc said, and will take with food. I've also started to cut myself down to lower doses, so I won't need to take as much when I need to take some. (BTW, I am pre-op.) =) Sarah
   — Sarah C.

December 9, 2001
My PCP and pharmacist are wonderful at helping me with OTC medications. Actually the pharmacists at our local Wal-mart are the best pharmacists in our area! They will help me find the best products at the lowest price and since much of what I now take are considered children's meds, they will also do a conversion to the proper dosage and write it down for me. When I expressed concern about not having ibuprophen and tylenol available, the pharmacist showed me the children's versions, told me which ones in his kid's opinion have the best taste and then wrote down all the dosing to make the equvalace of the regular & extra strengths. I find that the liquids are easier to get down than the chewable or soft chew forms, but are a bit more pricy. Go talk to your pharmacist and check out the children's stuff!
   — Sue F.

December 9, 2001
After I had my tubes tied a few years ago, my cramps and headches got much worse with my period. I now use Maximim Strength Multi-Symptom Pamprin. It takes care of the cramps, headache, backache, irritability, water weight gain, and tension. And it works! Try it, I believe youll get just as much relief as I do, with it! Good luck! God Bless!
   — Kerry P.

December 10, 2001
My doctor also allows Advil. Pre-op I would require 3 tabs (600mg). Post op, I can take just one 200mg tab and my headache is gone. My doctor only forbids straight aspirin. I don't actually take "Advil", but a generic that I found that the tabs are much smaller. I was concerned the "Advil" was too big. Be careful in regards to what the previous poster said about children's dosages. If the reason you aren't taking the advil is because the pills are too big, then the liquids are appropriate. However, if the reason is to prevent stomach irritation, the children's liquids can do the same job on your stomach as the pills. So, be careful. Shelley
   — Shelley.

December 10, 2001
My surgeon said the only thing I could have after surgery (for headaches, etc.) is Tylenol. As far as you taking the darvocet and percocet...I don't see why you couldn't continue taking those for your headaches. I was sent home after surgery with a scrip for percocet, and if I can take it that soon after surgery, you should be able to, too. :)
   — [Anonymous]

December 10, 2001

   — Denise W.

December 10, 2001
My GYN prescribed Vioxx, works like Celebrex. You can only take 50mg. a day of it so I took 25 mg. in the morning, then 6-7 hrs. later when that wore off took the other 25mg. Then I had to take pain meds (Lortab) to go to bed and be able to sleep. You have to be careful with Advil, Motrin, Aleve, etc. they can cause stomach bleeding. The Vioxx can too but at a much less risk according to my doc. Anyway, it worked for me!!!
   — esthjb

August 25, 2002
I take Maxalt for migraine headaches. It comes in a dissolve-under-the-tongue version and is a tiny soft tablet.
   — Darlene P.

July 27, 2003
I have always had severe menstrual cramps and they have not let up @ all. I told my surgeon on my 1yr check up, that I just couldn't do it anymore and I took children's liquid Motrin. The nurse said if I absolutely have to have it, drink it down w/ plenty of water, and only use it if you absolutely have to. So I do the largest dose (3 1/2 tsp.) and drink water w/ each sip of the meds (also because it tastes nasty).
   — carla rosen

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