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Over-the-counter Pain Relievers

How to choose the right pain reliever

When pain strikes, it can quickly prevent you from going about your day-to-day activities if it’s not treated promptly and properly. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever for three common pain types: headache, period pain, and muscle or joint pain.

Headache and Migraine

The garden-variety headache—the kind everyone experiences on occasion—is known as a “tension headache.” It can be triggered by muscle tension (mainly in the neck and jaw) or by stress, anxiety, insomnia, or fatigue.

Tip: Dehydration is another common cause of headaches. Remember to drink regularly, especially in very hot weather and when you are physically active.

It is estimated that in Canada, approximately 12% of women and 5% of men suffer from migraines. In addition to pain in the head, migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms that can force the person to stop what they’re doing and withdraw from their surroundings if treatment is not started promptly.

Tension Headache or Migraine?

	Tension Headache	Migraine
Pain description	Feeling of pressure or tightness around the head. Tension around the eyes, neck, back of the neck, or temples.	Pain, usually throbbing, that often starts on one side of the head, then can either spread to the entire head or remain localized. Tension in the neck.
Pain intensity	Light to moderate	Moderate to very severe
Pain worsens with light activity, such as climbing stairs	Rarely	Yes
Nausea / vomiting	Rarely	Yes
Sensitivity to noise, smells, or light	Rarely	Yes

Some pain relievers that can be used for light to moderate pain intensity: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen

Acetaminophen

Tip: Liquid gel capsules may provide slightly faster relief than regular tablet forms.

If your migraines are not relieved by OTC pain relievers, you should see your doctor. There are other prescription medications you may want to try.

Tip: Sleep quality has a direct impact on headaches and migraines. Good sleeping habits can help reduce the frequency or intensity of your episodes.

Period Pain (Dysmenorrhea)

It is estimated that 50% to 80% of women suffer from menstrual pain. This occurs when hormonal changes during menstruation trigger uterine cramps that are felt with varying intensity from one woman to another.

Some pain relievers that can be used for light to moderate pain intensity: Menstrual Pain Formulas, Ibuprofen, Naproxen

Tip: If you experience significant pain every month, you may want to start taking Ibuprofen or Naproxen the day before you expect to get your period to get less pain.

Muscle or Joint Pain

There are a host of causes of muscle or joint pain: an awkward movement, a sports injury, poor posture at work, or a repetitive use of a joint.

Some pain relievers that can be used for light to moderate pain intensity: Muscle Pain Formulas, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen

analgesic cream

In addition to a pain reliever, some muscle pain formulas contain a muscle relaxant called methocarbamol to help relax tense muscles. It’s best to use these formulas at night because methocarbamol may also cause drowsiness.

Tip: Topical pain relievers (e.g. creams that are applied to the skin) are a good option when pain is localized or if you are unable to take an oral pain reliever. Talk to your pharmacist: some products are kept behind the counter.

Are pain relievers safe for everyone?

Even though they’re sold over the counter, pain relievers are not for everyone, especially if you have health problems or if you’re taking other medications. Read the instructions on the label carefully.

To avoid overdosage, always check the ingredient list on the packaging, and make sure you don’t simultaneously take two medications containing similar ingredients.

If you need help choosing the right product, ask your pharmacist. He or she will help you find the one that’s best for you.

Pain relief at a glance

Product	Headache / migraine	Menstrual pain	Muscle or joint pain
*Pain reliever in tablet form (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)**	x	x	x
*Pain reliever in topical form (Salicylate, Diclofenac)**			x
Muscle relaxant (combined with either Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or ASA)			x

*Products that contain Naproxen or certain concentrations of diclofenac are kept behind the pharmacy counter.

- Any drug or natural health product may cause serious side effects or interactions with other medications.
- Read the instructions, warnings and brochures provided by the manufacturer and consult your pharmacist when purchasing medication or natural health products carefully.
- Always keep medications and natural health products out of the reach of children.

The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.

The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy.