Question:
What OTC meds can I take for headache?

I have had a headache for a couple days that seems to just hang around. I've taken tylenol but it hasn't helped. Not bad enough to take my migraine meds. I would like to know what OTC meds I could take. I'm 1 1/2 yrs out from bypass. I did have blood clots after my bypass and have taken a low dose aspirin since I went off Coumidin in Jan. The low dose has never bothered me. Do you think I could take Motrin, Advil, or Aleve or just still stay clear of those? Thanks!!    — Tammara D. (posted on October 19, 2004)

October 19, 2004
I am 14 1/2 months post-op, and I have been told by my surgeon, no asprin or any NSAIDS. I was on Comudin for a blood clot, that has disolved, so the pcp put me on Plavix, because I have had a stroke, but the side effects were severe, so I talked to my WLS surgeon and he told me that any tyernol product, but tyernol does not thin the blood, so he is allowing me to take a 81mg coated asprin 2 to 3 times a week. Maybe your WLS surgeon can suggest something for your headaches. I would not ask your pcp, mine thought that Plavix would be fine on my tummy, but my WLS said that it was harder on my tummy then the 81mg asprin. I wish you best in finding something that works for you. Make sure that the headaches are not low blood sugar or low blood pressure, both give you a headache that feels like a migrane.
   — cindy

October 19, 2004
I'm 4 1/2 years post-op and I take a baby aspirin every day, but try to stay away from Aleve and NSAIDS...things like that. However, when I get a bad, lingering headache that I just can't get rid of, I've found that Excedrin Migraine (or the store brand version of it) works really well for me. I just make sure that I don't take it on an empty stomach. Hope this helps!!
   — Nonie M.

October 19, 2004
I normally take Excedrin Quick Tabs. They are chewable tylenol with a little bit of caffeine. Regular Excedrin (including the Excedrin Migraine) is simply tylenol, aspirin and caffeine - the quick tabs eliminate the aspirin that we posties shouldn't have too much of anyways. I think because they're chewable, they seem to work better than tylenol tablets (which never seemed to work for me either). Good Luck.
   — Carolyn M.

October 19, 2004
Have you tried the Tylenol Arthritis Strength? They do a pretty good job on my headaches. Regular tylenol doesn't touch them.
   — Cathy S.

November 21, 2004
Ask your surgeon. You can see you get a variety of answers. Personally, the only thing that will knock out a headache for me is ibuprofen 800mg. Once in a while is not going to hurt. I am two years out, never have had a problem with any OTC pain med, and was taking Vioxx about 3 days/month. Tylenol is a waste of time and money for me.
   — koogy