Excedrin Migraine vs. Extra Strength: Is There a Difference?
Medically reviewed by Femi Aremu, PharmDMedically reviewed by Femi Aremu, PharmDExcedrin is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) pain-relieving medication brand with two popular formulations: Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength. Both brands contain the same active ingredients: acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. However, they are marketed to serve different purposes.Excedrin Migraine is meant to relieve pain associated with headaches and migraines. Excedrin Extra Strength is more versatile and is generally used to relieve minor aches and pains related to various causes. For this reason, their labeling and dosing recommendations are different. Excedrin Migraine's dosing is limited to prevent medication overuse headaches.This article discusses the differences and similarities between Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength, including uses, warnings, and dosage recommendations.
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Excedrin Migraine vs. Extra Strength: Is There Any Difference?The primary differences between Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength are their intended uses, precautions, and dosing recommendations.Excedrin Migraine is a combination medication that is formulated and marketed to relieve migraines and headaches. Excedrin Extra Strength is marketed for a more versatile use. It's commonly used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains related to:ArthritisCold symptomsHeadachesMuscular achesPremenstrual and menstrual crampsToothachesBoth medications contain the same combination of three active ingredients. One caplet contains:Acetaminophen (250 milligrams, or mg), a pain reliever and fever reducerAspirin (250 mg), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which helps reduce pain and inflammationCaffeine (65 mg), a stimulant that can help enhance the effectiveness of acetaminophen and aspirin when used togetherGiven their identical formulation, they may seem like the same medication on the surface. However, there are a few differences between the two. These include their intended uses, certain warnings, and the dosing considerations.UsesExcedrin Migraine is marketed specifically for the relief of migraine headaches, which is reflected on the label. Per the medication label, only people age 18 and up should take this medication. For those under 18, a healthcare provider should be consulted before use.Excedrin Extra Strength, on the other hand, has a more broadly marketed use. It is marketed to relieve various types of pain. The labeling provides broader indications for pain relief, not explicitly limited to migraines.Excedrin Extra Strength can be taken by people age 12 and up. Anyone under the age of 12 should consult a provider before taking it.WarningsSince Excedrin Migraine is targeted for migraine-related pain, the labeling has slightly different warnings than Excedrin Extra Strength.This includes the warnings listed on the label, which would only apply if using the medication for migraines. For instance, the labeling warns against taking Excedrin Migraine for over 10 days per month, as it may cause medication overuse headache (MOH). It also has different dosing instructions on the label. Excedrin Extra Strength has warnings and labeling tailored to individuals who are taking the medication for pain. The label provides more generalized dosing instructions for individuals experiencing different types of pain.
More About Medication Overuse HeadacheMOH, also referred to as rebound headaches, are caused by the frequent use of pain relievers to treat headaches. While symptoms of MOH can vary, MOH can be described as a headache occurring 15 or more times a month. This is a direct result of overusing a headache medication that is only supposed to be used short term. Some risk factors for developing MOH are:Frequent use of pain relievers: Taking a pain reliever more than 10 times a monthHigher doses of headache medications: Using higher strengths of headache medicationImproper dosage of pain relievers: Taking the pain reliever more frequently than what is listed on the boxTo prevent MOH, limit the use of headache medications and follow the instructions listed on each package or label of medication.
Differences in DosageThe frequency and dosages are different for Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength. It is important to note these differences to ensure you take the proper dose.Excedrin Migraine: For migraine relief, adults 18 and over should take two caplets every 24 hours. You should not take more than two caplets in 24 hours unless directed by your healthcare provider.Excedrin Extra Strength: For pain relief, take two caplets every six hours. The maximum daily amount is eight caplets in 24 hours.While Excedrin Migraine has a maximum amount of two caplets a day, Excedrin Extra Strength has a maximum amount of eight caplets a day. There is a stricter dosage limit on Excedrin Migraine to prevent MOH. This strict dosage limit is to ensure that users do not overuse the medication, which can potentially lead to a worsening condition. What Are the Side Effects?Since Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength contain the same ingredients in the same strengths, there are similar potential side effects with taking either medication.Side effects range from mild to severe and are due to the combination of ingredients acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.Side effects will depend on your dosage, how long you take the medication, and your sensitivity to the medication.Side effects that you can potentially experience when taking Excedrin Migraine or Excedrin Extra Strength include:Gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain, nausea, vomitingIncreased heart rateInsomnia (trouble sleeping)Severe Side EffectsAdditionally, there are more severe—even life-threatening—side effects when taking this medication. A medical professional should be consulted right away if any of these are suspected or occur:Allergic reaction: The acetaminophen and aspirin in Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength may cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms include skin reddening, blisters, a rash, hives, facial swelling, and asthma (wheezing). If you experience any of these, you may be having an allergic reaction.Liver damage: Both Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength contain acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage if taken in excess.GI complications: Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength also contain aspirin, which is an NSAID. NSAIDs may cause severe stomach bleeding, especially if multiple NSAIDs are used at the same time. Reye’s syndrome: Children and teenagers recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious complication.
What Is Reye's Syndrome?Reye’s syndrome is a condition that affects the brain and the liver. Symptoms of Reye’s syndrome range from personality changes to vomiting and seizures. It is typically seen in children who are recovering from a viral illness and who have taken aspirin.While rare, it is a severe disease that can progress to coma and death. Reye’s syndrome can be prevented by discontinuing any aspirin medications in children or teens who are recovering from chicken pox or the flu.
Alternative OptionsFor those seeking alternatives to Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength, there are several OTC options and other remedies available that can provide relief for migraines and other types of pain.Discuss the side effects and benefits with a healthcare provider before trying any new drugs or routines, including the following migraine and pain options:Acetaminophen is effective for pain relief and fever reduction. It is found in brands like Tylenol and is available over the counter.NSAIDs are effective for pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter brands include Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen).Lifestyle modifications to help reduce the severity and frequency of migraines include managing stress, staying hydrated, and avoiding any known migraine triggers.Prescription medications are available at your healthcare provider’s discretion to help manage migraines and pain. Medications for migraines include triptans, such as Maxalt (rizatriptan), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists, such as Nurtec ODT (rimegepant). There is also a wide range of prescription medication available for pain relief, including NSAIDs such as Celebrex (celecoxib) and Mobic (meloxicam).SummaryExcedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength are designed to ease pain, but they are targeted to treat different types of ailments.Excedrin Migraine is marketed mainly for migraine relief, with strict dosing to prevent medication overuse headaches. Excedrin Extra Strength, on the other hand, can be used for a broader range of pain, including toothaches and arthritis.Individuals should adhere to the recommended dosages listed on each product's label to prevent health risks. By understanding the uses, benefits, and side effects associated with Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength, you can make an informed decision to manage pain effectively and minimize any potential health complications. The author would like to thank and acknowledge Sakina Yasmin Naqvi for contributing to this article. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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