Best Excedrin Alternative

Migraine pain, headache pain, or any other type of body pain can ruin your day. In worst cases, it may even hinder your ability to function properly, leaving you frustrated. However, thanks to ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief – a popular alternative to Excedrin Extra Strength by Glaxosmithkline (GSK) – you can get instant pain relief in seconds.

You can use this product for the following ailments:

• Tension headaches
• Migraine headaches/Migraine attacks
• Muscle aches
• Toothaches
• Menstrual cramps

In addition, the ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief also doubles down as a fever reducer, like most Excedrin products, and also helps alleviate symptoms of flu.

However, the product doesn’t double down as a sleep aid like Excedrin PM, as it doesn’t include any antihistamine (the stuff that helps you fall asleep).

All in all, if you’re looking for a pain reliever with a kick that works its magic in no time, ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief is the best OTC solution out there.

How Does ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief Work?

After taking the ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief, it’ll feel as if you never even had any headache to begin with. But how does it work?

This is all thanks to the 3 active ingredients in the medicine. Each caplet of the ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief includes 250 mg of acetaminophen, 250 mg of aspirin, and 65 mg of caffeine.

All of these ingredients work together to provide an effective relief against headaches, migraines, and/or other body pains.

Acetaminophen acts as the primary pain reliever in this medicine. It belongs to a class of drugs called “analgesics,” which provide relief against pain. It’s still unclear how acetaminophen works – experts suggest that it works by increasing your pain threshold, decreasing the sensation of pain that you actually feel. Some believe that it may work by inhibiting the production of chemical compounds known as “prostaglandins,” which swell and inflame the injured/affected areas of the body.

Aspirin acts as an additional cure against pain. It is an NSAID, which stands for “nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.” Similar to acetaminophen, it works by reducing the production of the prostaglandins, which are produced in response to an injury.

Finally, the caffeine steps in as a final nail in the coffin for the pain. It complements the pain-reducing qualities of both acetaminophen and aspirin. It does this by inhibiting the adenosine receptors, which influence pain signaling in the body.

All of the above – combined with the inactive ingredients like microcrystalline cellulose and stearic acid – provide instant pain relief.

Side Effects of ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief

Like every other medicine, you may experience some side effects after taking ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief. While the chances of any adverse effects are low, you should stay alert and look for any concerning symptoms.

Here are some possible side effects of ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief (these are the same as Excedrin Extra Strength caplets):

• Skin Reactions – acetaminophen can cause severe skin allergies. Symptoms include rashes, redness, and blisters. In case these symptoms appear, you must stop using this medicine and seek professional help right away.
• Allergies – like acetaminophen, aspirin can also cause severe allergies. These include asthma (trouble breathing), hives, facial edema (swelling), and in worst cases, shock.
• Stomach Bleeding – there’s a high risk of stomach bleeding due to the aspirin in the product if certain conditions are met. Your risk increases if you’re 60 or older, have had stomach ulcers, overdose on NSAIDs, and/or take a blood-thinning medicine.
• Liver Damage – an overdose of acetaminophen may cause liver damage, and in worst cases, death. Symptoms of liver damage include yellowing of the skin and eyes, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and dark urine.
• Reye’s Syndrome – if a child or a teenager takes this medicine while recovering from flu or chickenpox, they may suffer from Reye’s syndrome. Reye’s syndrome is a serious illness that results in the swelling of the brain and the liver. Symptoms include nausea, confusion, and coma.
• Sleeplessness – due to the caffeine in the product, you may have trouble falling asleep. This is a common and harmless side effect. For that reason, avoid taking this medicine at bedtime.
• Irritability and Fast Heartbeat – the caffeine in the product may also make you irritable and increase your heart rate.

If you experience any of the more serious symptoms mentioned above, discontinue use and seek medical help immediately.

Can Anyone Take ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief?

ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief includes FDA-approved, OTC drugs that can reduce your headache and body pain. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautionary measures.

Both acetaminophen and aspirin may cause adverse side effects that may even prove to be fatal if not addressed in time. In other words, not everyone can use this medicine.

To avoid said side effects, consult a healthcare provider before using this medicine if you:

• Are currently taking any other OTC drug that includes acetaminophen, aspirin, and/or caffeine
• Had or currently have a liver disease
• Are suffering from asthma
• Are currently taking a medicine that increases the production of urine (i.e., a diuretic)
• Had or currently have a heart disease, kidney disease, and/or high blood pressure
• Are thinking of giving this medicine to a child under the age of 12
• Are currently taking any other prescription drug

You should immediately stop using this medicine and seek medical help if you:

• Experience an allergic reaction (face swelling, skin rash, etc.)
• Vomit blood
• Develop a ringing in your ears
• Pass dark stools
• Suffer from pain stomach
• Don’t notice a reduction in pain after 10 days
• Have a fever that lasts for more than 3 days

In addition, you should never use this product if you’ve had an allergic reaction to it in the past (or any other drug that included acetaminophen, aspirin, and/or any other pain reducer).

When Does Body Pain Become a Cause for Concern?

Body pain can stem from a number of factors, including:

• Dehydration
• Lack of sleep
• A virus or an infection
• Injury
• A chronic illness, such as arthritis, lupus, and myositis
• A serious disease

In most cases, the cause of body pain is clear. An intense workout at the gym, a long drive, and engaging in sports or gymnastics can all leave your body aching. It’s also a common symptom of the flu or a virus.

Taking a dose or two of the ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief can help get rid of the pain.

However, if it has been 10 days since you had your first headache (or started experiencing pain in any other part of the body), and it’s still there or has gotten worse, you should see a doctor immediately.

Persistent pain could be a result of something more serious, and the sooner you get diagnosed, the better. It could also be a result of a bad habit, and a simple lifestyle change might be all you need to get rid of the pain. Whatever the case, a healthcare professional would be able to give you the best advice.

What Else Can I Do to Relieve My Headache (or Any Other Body Pain)?

If you can safely take the ValuMeds Extra Strength Headache Relief (read the conditions above if you haven’t), it should help alleviate any sort of pain, ranging from simple headaches to more excruciating migraine attacks.

However, to ensure maximum effectiveness, you should also:

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Place a cold pack (for migraines or muscle sprains) and heating pads (for tension headaches)
• Relieve pressure on your head (remove any cap/hat, untie your ponytail, etc.)
• Lie down and close your eyes (it’s even better if you manage to get some rest)
• Dim the lights and avoid staring at any screen (or use anti-glare screens)

If the pain doesn’t subside or gets worse, consult a doctor.