The headache I had yesterday which lasted into the night and while i was sleeping, only to reappear when I woke up and went through my day, it didn't respond at all to Advil. I took 3 at a time (because I've built a tolerance apparently) and it did nothing.

Surprisingly enough, when I took 3 extra strength tylenol, it seemed to take the edge off the pain just a little. I was frankly surprised because it used to be that tylenol was just like taking a placebo for all its effectiveness!

I may have to break down and just get some imitrex from the doctor. But I hate the idea of needing another prescription.

Does anyone have any other ideas about stuff that is over the counter that would work for a really bad headache? I'm sick of this.

Excedrin

or

A combination of 2 Advil, and 2 Percogesic

If you get these bad headaches often, a specific treatment may be a better option than OTC analgesics.

I used to be able to take Exedrin, but the last time I had the worst palpitations, they lasted two whole days! Since I'm prone to weird arrythmias with caffeine, I really need to stay away from the exedrin.

But I guess I should just start talking to my doctor about it. The thing is, whenever I go see her about something, it's usually something else and I don't have an opportunity to discuss my headaches with her. I haven't established a pattern of headaches with her, so she isn't aware of what a problem it has become. I'm concerned that she won't be as receptive to charting a course of action as she would be, had I been discussing it with her all along. I've been a patient of hers for about 5 years now and the subject just hasn't come up in any visits yet.

Be assertive, and insist..... the Advil + Percogesic might be of help, if not, there are many simple options your doctor can persue.

Personally I get similar headaches, and they are for a variety of reasons for me.

1. Diet, often I forget to eat then get a massive migraine

This is not resolved when eating, sleep sometimes solves it. Water helps. The key for me has been to eat at specific times during the day.

2. Tight muscles in my neck

For too much pressure I use an herbs, for not enough flow I use coffee + asprin

Hope you get to the bottom of it... it can be hard to trace it to a common event. I've found keeping a diet and stress log for a week really helps me narrow it down.

Between Food, Water, and Stress you cover most reasons for a headache short of clinical problems like tumors, etc.

I've heard that for headaches persisting for extended periods it important to seek medical advice.