Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Headache medication

2-minute read

Understanding headache medication

Most people have headaches occasionally. They can happen without any obvious cause or they may be caused by a health problem.

Most headaches are not serious. You can treat them yourself. Most headache medication is available over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.

Types of headache medication

The main medications for headaches are pain-relief medicines. These include paracetamol, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. You can also buy medications containing a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen from a pharmacy. You will need a prescription from a doctor to buy a pain-relief medicine that contains codeine.

If you have frequent headaches, your doctor may suggest medication to prevent them. This might include a very low dose of an antidepressant (much lower than you would take to treat depression). There may be side effects including dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness, constipation and weight gain.

If you have migraines, there are particular medicines or combination medicines that can help. These include pain relief medicines, anti-nausea medication and triptans (medication that contracts or tightens the blood vessels around your brain). There are also medications to prevent migraines including beta-blockers and amitriptyline.

Important information about headache medication

If you take pain-relief medicines, it is important that you understand how to use them safely. For instance, you may already be taking pain relief medicines in your cough and cold remedies or medicines for arthritis. It’s important not to take more than the recommended daily amount as this can lead to serious side effects.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist so you don’t accidentally take more than you should.

If you have a lot of headaches or have symptoms that worry you, see your doctor.

You should also see your doctor if you have migraines. It’s good to work out how to keep them away, if you can, and how to make them less severe.

If you are worried about taking medicines for your headache, ask your doctor or pharmacist about:

  • the benefits of medicine for headache
  • the risks of different types of medicine for headache

Your doctor or pharmacist will help you decide which medicines are suitable.

Looking for more medicine information?

healthdirect’s medicines section allows you to search for medicines by brand name or active ingredient. It provides useful information about medicines such as their use, whether they are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and product recalls.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: March 2020


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Treatment of Headache - Migraine & Headache Australia

There is no absolute cure for headache, but many effective treatments exist which can prevent and treat different headache types.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Medication Overuse Headache - Migraine & Headache Australia

Medication overuse headache occurs when you take painkillers too often, which can worsen an existing migraine or headache disorder.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Treatment Options for Migraine - Headache Australia

While migraine is a complex disorder that can seriously impact a patient's life, there are a number of treatment options available.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Prevention Strategies & Treatment For Migraine & Headache - Headache Australia

Migraine is common and disabling

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Headache Types Directory - Migraine & Headache Australia

Unsure about your headache type? Our medically reviewed directory can help you better understand your symptoms and available treatments.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Cluster Headache - Headache Types - Headache Australia

Cluster headache is a rare but extremely painful neurological disorder, causing headache attacks that occur in cyclical bouts.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Headaches & how to treat them

Learn about different types of headaches to make an informed choice about treatment, including pain relief. 

Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

History of Headache - Migraine & Headache Australia

The history of headache dates back thousands of years. Medical understandings have evolved over time, and continue to broaden today.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Children and Headache - Migraine & Headache Australia

Headache is a frequent symptom in children, but symptoms & treatments are different to adults. Understanding this difference is essential.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Your Doctor and Your Headache - A Vital Partnership

Many headache sufferers do not consult a doctor. A recent study showed that 50% of migraineurs had not sought medical advice & had not been diagnosed.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.