Treatment options

Treatment and management of a headache depends on what type it is:

Tension-type headaches will often get better without any treatment. But for occasional sufferers who want to take something, a simple painkiller such as paracetamol or an NSAID, if appropriate, is the best option. Self care measures such as exercise and relaxation techniques can also be helpful. For those experiencing frequent tension-type headaches, pharmacy teams can suggest keeping a headache diary as this can help pinpoint possible triggers such as specific foods, alcohol, missing meals, poor posture because of working at a desk, or tiredness. Acupuncture can be beneficial for people who get frequent tension headaches, but opioids – including those in combination analgesics – are not advised, unless recommended by a GP.

Migraine can be eased with simple painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen, as appropriate – especially if taken at the first signs of an attack. Soluble tablets can be a good option as they get into the bloodstream more quickly than non-soluble formats. If simple painkillers are not helping to relieve the customer’s symptoms, they should make an appointment with a GP, who may prescribe a specific migraine treatment such as sumatriptan, as well as an anti-sickness medicine, if appropriate. Sumatriptan is also available over-the-counter (OTC), see boxout for more information.

Medication overuse headache is treated by withdrawing from the overused medication. As this needs to be abrupt, symptoms may get worse before they start to improve so close monitoring and support is essential. There is a high relapse rate for medication overuse headache, so providing information about the condition to customers, as well as advice on appropriate headache management, is important if they are to break their cycle of pain.