OTC Medicine

Over-the-counter migraine remedies can be bought without a prescription from a healthcare provider. Over-the-counter medications, also called nonprescription drugs, are considered safe and effective for people to use without direct guidance from their provider.¹

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines if a drug can be over-the-counter (or OTC), based on the following qualities:

• Can be used by consumers for self-diagnosed ailments
• Benefits must outweigh their risks
• Can be appropriately labeled for correct use
• The potential for misuse and abuse is low
• Doctors or other health practitioners aren’t necessary for people to safely and effectively use

Some nonprescription medications first came to the market as prescriptions, requiring a doctor’s permission. After these prescriptions have been used for years with a good record of safety and aren’t considered a risk for addiction, certain products are then approved by the FDA for use without a prescription. Other medications come to the market as over-the-counter medications without ever requiring a prescription.

In many cases, nonprescription versions of drugs contain lower levels of the active ingredient found in the prescription version.

Prescription drugs or over-the-counter, what’s the difference?

Prescription drugs are those that cannot be bought without a written doctor’s prescription. These drugs need a doctor’s supervision to properly diagnose the condition and properly use the drug. Over-the-counter drugs treat conditions that the average person is likely to correctly diagnose. These nonprescription medications also contain instructions that are simple to follow.

There are several over-the-counter migraine medicines, some that treat migraine in general and others that treat specific types of migraine, such as over-the-counter drugs for menstrual migraine. Some examples include:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (NSAIDs), sold under the brand names Motrin and Advil
• Naproxen (NSAIDs), sold under the brand name Aleve
• Acetaminophen, sold under the brand name Tylenol
• Acetaminophen plus caffeine, and Aspirin, sold under the brand name Excedrin Migraine

Many people living with migraine want to know what the best over-the-counter medicine is to get rid of migraine attacks. However, different medicines work differently in each patient. Medicines that provide relief for one person may not do the same for another.

Just because a medicine is available without a prescription does not mean that it has no potential for harm, including serious side effects. It is important to read the label of all over-the-counter medications to determine the correct dosing and timing of the dose, warnings, and how to properly store the medication.¹

Patients should talk to their provider about what to expect with the side effects of any OTC treatment. In addition, make sure your provider knows about all medications and treatments you take, including over-the-counter medications.

As always, the best source for advice on treating your migraine disease is your own headache specialist. This information on drugs and the medication descriptions is provided only for informational purposes. You should begin no medication or supplement without first checking with your healthcare provider and should let them know of any other prescriptions, OTCs, and herbals you are taking to ensure there are no interactions.