Pharmacist's Verdict
Excedrin Migraine is a very effective over-the-counter option for treating migraine headaches, combining three proven ingredients. However, it comes with several important warnings and potential side effects, especially for certain groups of people.
Ingredient Analysis
ACETAMINOPHEN
ASPIRIN
CAFFEINE
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly effective for relieving migraine headaches, often providing fast relief due to the combination of ingredients.
- Contains three different ingredients (acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine) that work in different ways to tackle pain.
- Widely available without a prescription, making it convenient for sudden migraine attacks.
- Caffeine can help boost the pain-relieving effects of acetaminophen and aspirin, and may help with the specific blood vessel changes during a migraine.
Cons
- Contains aspirin, which carries a risk of Reye's Syndrome in children and teenagers recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms.
- Aspirin can cause stomach upset, heartburn, and serious stomach bleeding, especially with long-term use or in those with a history of ulcers.
- Acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage if you take more than recommended or use it with alcohol, and may cause severe skin reactions.
- Caffeine can cause jitters, nervousness, trouble sleeping, and can lead to withdrawal headaches if stopped suddenly after regular use.
- Not suitable for everyone; caution advised for people with bleeding disorders, asthma, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, or those taking blood thinners or other NSAIDs.
Safety Information
Warnings
Warnings Reye’s syndrome: Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Allergy alert: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include: skin reddening blisters rash If a skin reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Allergy alert: Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction which may include: hives facial swelling asthma (wheezing) shock Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 2 caplets in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amou…
Is Excedrin Migraine safe for you?
See pregnancy, interactions, and common concerns answered in our pharmacist safety FAQ.
Read safety review →References
- 1.FDA Drug Label — Extra Strength Headache, Caseys 4good
FDA DailyMed: Extra Strength Headache, Caseys 4good · FDA
- 2.FDA Drug Label — Excedrin Migraine
FDA DailyMed: Excedrin Migraine · FDA
- 3.The acute treatment of migraine in adults: the american headache society evidence assessment of migraine pharmacotherapies.
Marmura MJ, Silberstein SD, Schwedt TJ, Headache, 2015 · PubMed