Self care tips

• Regular exercise and relaxation can help prevent stress-related headaches
• Take regular breaks when using a computer or sitting in one position for long periods of time
• Keep a diary to help determine patterns or triggers for tension or migraine-type headaches.

Painkillers

Headaches can be effectively managed with the three main OTC painkillers €“ paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen. Examples: Nurofen Express, Panadol Advance.

They are available in various strengths and formats, so customers should be questioned carefully to find out what will suit them best. Ibuprofen, for example, offers pain relief for up to eight hours, while paracetamol is gentler on the stomach.

Newer formulations of paracetamol and ibuprofen are available that disperse in the stomach faster than standard preparations, thus offering quicker pain relief. This is important for people with migraine because the stomach slows down during an attack so products can take longer than normal to absorb.

Many products have additional actives that may benefit different types of headache:

Tension headache: ibuprofen lysine is a different form of ibuprofen, which is absorbed quickly, so starts to work more rapidly. Example: Nurofen Tension Headache.

Sinus headache: paracetamol with a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. Example: Vicks Sinex Capsules. Alternatively, a decongestant spray or drops can help to unblock the nose. Example: Otrivine Nasal Spray.

Migraine: paracetamol and codeine with buclizine €“ an antihistamine that helps to prevent feelings of nausea. Example: Migraleve Pink. Alternatively, paracetamol with isometheptene, which narrows blood vessels. Example: Midrid.

Sumatriptan

Sumatriptan increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. It is suitable for customers aged 18 to 65 years with a diagnosed and stable pattern of migraine that does not respond to other painkillers. For an initial sale, customers should be referred to the pharmacist. Example: Imigran Recovery.

Drug-free products

Products based on drug-free ingredients such as levomenthol may be useful for customers who are unable to or would prefer not to take a painkiller. Example: 4head.