Q. I have migraines that I used to control with ibuprofen. After suffering severe stomach erosion, I gave up on that except for an emergency.
Now that we know that ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, I need a headache medicine that will be safe. I searched the web and all the prescription medicines have warnings about heart attacks. Is there anything I can safely take when I have a migraine?
A. NSAIDs like diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen can cause life-threatening bleeding ulcers. Since you are susceptible to this reaction, you must avoid such medications.
Danish scientists found that people who had experienced heart attacks were about 50 percent more likely to have a second one if they were taking ibuprofen, diclofenac or similar drugs (Circulation, online Sept. 10, 2012).
This presents a dilemma for people like you who need pain relief. Our Guide to Headaches & Migraines offers alternative approaches including magnesium, vitamin B2, acupuncture and herbs such as butterbur, feverfew and ginger.
Inducing “brain freeze” by drinking a very cold icy beverage or quickly eating a frozen dessert can sometimes stop a migraine, especially if used early.
2/15/18 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/see-how-brain-freeze-works-fast-for-bad-headaches/
