Self-help Guides

You should see a doctor right away for a headache if:

• you have frequent or persistent headaches (at least 2 headaches a week)
• you have a severe headache (i.e., the worst headache you have ever experienced) or one that started abruptly
• you have a headache that has worsened over several days to weeks
• your headache has changed in pattern or behaviour (e.g., it is more frequent, more severe, occurring at a different location)
• you have other symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, fever, vomiting, shortness of breath, slurred speech, vision loss, loss of sensation, or stiff neck
• you develop a headache while exercising or having sexual intercourse
• your headache wakes you up at night
• you have a headache after waking up in the morning
• you develop a headache after a head injury or other trauma

Non-medication treatments

• Identify what triggers your headaches.
  • Foods (e.g., aged cheese, alcohol), noise, strong odours, smoke, bright lights, and weather changes are just a few things that can trigger a headache. Each person is affected by different triggers. Keep a food diary or take note of your environment when you develop a headache to help you identify what you need to avoid.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Get enough rest and stick to a healthy diet. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 times a week.
  • Find ways to reduce stress.
  • Limit your caffeine intake. If you drink a lot of caffeine, slowly reduce the amount you have each day to avoid withdrawal effects.
• Try relaxation techniques.
  • Find a dark, quiet room where you can lie down and relax. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths or creating a relaxing image in your mind.
  • Place a hot or cold pack on your forehead.

Over-the-counter medications

Mild headaches generally go away on their own without requiring medication. However, there are several over-the-counter options to help you deal with a headache.

Pain relievers*

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), or ASA (Aspirin®) can be used to help reduce pain from headaches.
• Some acetaminophen and ASA products for headaches also contain caffeine and/or codeine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which product is best for you.
• These medications may not be useful in dealing with more moderate-to-serious headaches or migraine attacks. Talk to your doctor about other options if these medications don't work for you.

* All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Your headache should subside within a few hours after taking pain medication.

You should see a doctor if:

• your headache occurs almost daily
• you still have a headache despite taking pain medication
• you experience any side effects from taking pain medication