Can I Take an Anti-Inflammatory for a Headache? A Guide to Safe Relief

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Globally, headache disorders affect approximately 40% of the population, making them one of the most common nervous system disorders [1.9.3]. For many, the first line of defense is a common pain reliever, but can I take an anti-inflammatory for a headache safely and effectively?

Quick Summary

Yes, you can take an anti-inflammatory for many types of headaches. NSAIDs like ibuprofen are effective for tension headaches and mild migraines by blocking pain-causing prostaglandins, but risks and side effects exist.

Key Points

Mechanism of Action: Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that cause pain and inflammation [1.4.5].
Effectiveness: NSAIDs like ibuprofen are effective for tension headaches and mild to moderate migraines, often more so than acetaminophen because they target inflammation [1.7.3, 1.10.4].
Comparison: Naproxen has a longer duration of action than ibuprofen, while aspirin has stronger blood-thinning effects and a higher risk of stomach irritation [1.6.1, 1.6.3, 1.6.4].
Primary Risks: The most common side effects of NSAIDs are gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain and heartburn. Long-term use can increase cardiovascular and kidney risks [1.5.2].
Medication Overuse: Frequent use of any pain reliever (more than 10-15 days per month) can lead to 'rebound' or medication overuse headaches [1.11.1].
When to See a Doctor: Seek immediate medical help for a headache that is suddenly severe, or is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or neurological symptoms like weakness or vision changes [1.8.4, 1.8.1].
Acetaminophen vs. NSAIDs: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) relieves pain but is not an anti-inflammatory, making it a different class of drug. It's often preferred for those with stomach sensitivities [1.7.5, 1.7.4].

Understanding Headaches and Inflammation

Headaches are one of the most common ailments worldwide, ranging from a dull, persistent ache to a debilitating throb that disrupts daily life [1.9.3]. While there are many types of headaches, the two most prevalent are tension-type headaches and migraines [1.9.3]. Tension headaches are often described as a constant pressure or a tight band around the head, while migraines are typically characterized by severe, pulsating pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound [1.9.3].

A key component in many types of pain, including some headaches, is inflammation. During a migraine attack, for example, inflammatory substances are released around the nerves and blood vessels in the head, contributing to the pain [1.9.3, 1.4.4]. This is where anti-inflammatory medications come into play.

How Anti-Inflammatories Work for Headaches

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications that are widely used for treating headache pain [1.3.3]. Common over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and aspirin [1.10.2].

These drugs work by blocking enzymes called cyclooxygenase (COX), which in turn inhibits the body's production of prostaglandins [1.4.5]. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that play a significant role in creating feelings of pain and promoting inflammation [1.4.5]. By reducing prostaglandin levels, NSAIDs can effectively decrease both inflammation and the associated pain, making them a valuable tool for managing certain types of headaches [1.4.2].

Choosing the Right Medication: NSAIDs vs. Acetaminophen

When you're faced with a headache, it can be confusing to choose between the options on the pharmacy shelf. The main alternative to NSAIDs is acetaminophen (Tylenol). The crucial difference is that while acetaminophen is an effective pain reliever (analgesic) and fever reducer, it has very weak anti-inflammatory properties [1.7.5].

For headaches where inflammation is a primary driver, such as migraines, NSAIDs are often more effective than acetaminophen [1.7.3]. Ibuprofen, for instance, is frequently recommended as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate migraines [1.10.4]. For tension-type headaches, studies have shown that low-dose NSAIDs and acetaminophen have comparable efficacy, though high-dose NSAIDs may offer more relief at the cost of more potential side effects [1.7.2].


Medication	Type	How It Works	Best For	Key Considerations
Ibuprofen (Advil)	NSAID	Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis to reduce pain and inflammation [1.4.2].	Tension headaches, mild-to-moderate migraines [1.3.4, 1.10.2].	Can cause stomach irritation; take with food [1.5.5]. Less likely to cause stomach issues than aspirin [1.6.2].
Naproxen (Aleve)	NSAID	Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis; has a longer duration of action (8-12 hours) than ibuprofen [1.6.1, 1.4.2].	Longer-lasting pain, such as from muscle aches or menstrual-related migraines [1.6.4, 1.4.1].	Can cause stomach irritation; take with food [1.5.2].
Aspirin	NSAID	Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and has significant blood-thinning effects [1.4.2, 1.6.3].	Mild to moderate pain; often combined with caffeine and acetaminophen for migraine relief (e.g., Excedrin) [1.6.1].	Higher risk of stomach irritation and bleeding [1.6.4]. Should not be given to children due to risk of Reye's Syndrome [1.6.4].
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)	Analgesic	Relieves pain and reduces fever; not a primary anti-inflammatory [1.7.5].	Mild to moderate pain, especially for those who cannot take NSAIDs due to stomach issues or other health conditions [1.7.4, 1.10.4].	Overuse can lead to liver damage. Does not help with inflammation-based pain as effectively as NSAIDs [1.6.4, 1.7.5].

Risks and Important Considerations

While generally safe for short-term use, NSAIDs are not without risks [1.5.5].

Gastrointestinal Issues: The most common side effects are stomach-related, including irritation, heartburn, and in more severe cases, ulcers and bleeding [1.5.2]. Always take NSAIDs with food to minimize this risk [1.5.5].
Medication Overuse Headache (MOH): Ironically, frequent use of any acute headache medication can lead to more headaches. This is known as a rebound headache or MOH [1.11.3]. As a general rule, using simple NSAIDs for headache for more than 15 days a month, or other combination analgesics for 10 or more days a month, puts you at risk [1.11.1].
Cardiovascular and Kidney Risks: Long-term use of NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and may impair kidney function [1.5.2]. People with a history of these conditions should consult a doctor before using NSAIDs [1.5.1].
Drug Interactions: NSAIDs can interact with other medications, including blood thinners and some antidepressants (SSRIs), potentially increasing the risk of bleeding [1.5.1].

When to See a Doctor

You should seek immediate medical attention if your headache is accompanied by "red flag" symptoms, as it could indicate a more serious condition. These symptoms include:

A sudden, unusually severe headache, often described as "the worst headache of your life" [1.8.5].
Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures [1.8.4].
Headache with weakness, numbness, vision changes, or slurred speech [1.8.1].
A new headache that develops after the age of 50 [1.8.5].
A headache that worsens with coughing, movement, or lying down [1.8.5].

Conclusion

So, can you take an anti-inflammatory for a headache? For many people and many types of headaches, the answer is yes. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen are effective, especially when inflammation plays a role, as in migraines and some tension headaches [1.3.3]. They work by blocking pain-producing prostaglandins and are often recommended as a first-line treatment [1.4.2, 1.10.4]. However, it is crucial to use them correctly. To minimize risks, take them with food, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible, and be mindful of the danger of medication overuse headaches [1.5.5, 1.11.1]. If your headaches are frequent, severe, or accompanied by any red flag symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is essential for a proper diagnosis and management plan.

For more information on headache disorders, you can visit the World Health Organization [1.9.3].

Frequently Asked Questions

For mild to moderate migraines, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and diclofenac potassium are often effective [1.10.2]. In some studies, a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine has also been shown to be effective [1.6.1]. For severe migraines, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications like triptans [1.10.3].

It depends on the type of headache. Ibuprofen (an NSAID) is often more effective for migraines because it reduces inflammation [1.7.3]. For tension headaches, low-dose ibuprofen and Tylenol (acetaminophen) have similar effectiveness [1.7.2]. Tylenol may be a safer choice for those with stomach sensitivity or kidney issues [1.7.4].

To avoid medication overuse headaches (MOH), you should not use over-the-counter NSAIDs for pain relief for more than 10-15 days per month [1.11.1, 1.5.5]. If you find yourself needing pain relief more frequently, consult a doctor.

It is not recommended. NSAIDs can irritate the lining of your stomach, and taking them with food or milk can significantly reduce the risk of side effects like heartburn, stomach pain, and ulcers [1.5.5, 1.5.2].

While rare, serious side effects can include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and kidney or liver damage, particularly with long-term use or at high doses [1.5.2, 1.5.3].

A rebound headache, officially known as a medication overuse headache (MOH), is a headache that develops from the frequent, chronic use of acute headache medications [1.11.3]. The medication itself begins to cause the headaches, creating a cycle of pain and medication use.

Naproxen sodium (Aleve) generally has a longer duration of action, providing pain relief for 8 to 12 hours, compared to ibuprofen, which typically lasts 4 to 6 hours [1.6.1]. This can make it a better choice for persistent pain.