Conventional medicine prescribes us a number of remedies that we can employ for the treatment of headaches. These conventional medicines can be divided into 3 groups. The operation and disadvantages are briefly explained.
Analgesics
For general headaches, there is a choice of over-the-counter painkillers, also called analgesics . According to the active ingredient, we distinguish three main groups:
- aspirin
- paracetamol
- codeine
Many brand names market preparations that combine these ingredients, sometimes to which caffeine has been added. The recommended dosages are also listed here.
Please note: always consult the package leaflet before taking the product!
Aspirin
The chemical name of aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. Dosage: two 300 mg tablets at a time.
Effect
Aspirin is believed to inhibit the production of neurotransmitters involved in the transmission of pain stimuli in the brain. In addition, it counteracts inflammation and suppresses fever, because it inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in these processes.
Disadvantages
Aspirin has a very high acidity and easily attacks the stomach lining, which can lead to bleeding and ulcers if used excessively. High doses or doses in rapid succession can also irritate the nerves that control the ear, leading to tinnitus. These last as long as aspirin is present in the body.
Paracetamol
The substance name of Paracetamol is simply paracetamol. Dosage: two 500 mg tablets at a time. Maximum four doses per day.
Effect
Paracetamol inhibits the production of neurotransmitters that are involved in the transmission of pain stimuli in the brain. Unlike aspirin, it is not acidic and therefore does not affect digestion. It cheers some people up, but it makes others sleepy.
Disadvantages
When paracetamol is taken in high doses, it can cause irreversible liver damage. There is also some concern that chronic use of paracetamol may harm the kidneys and bladder.
Codeine
Codeine is prepared as codeine phosphate. In general it is used in combination preparations, e.g. 30 mg to 500 mg paracetamol. Dihydrocodeine is a much stronger preparation that is also used in doses of 30 mg.
Effect
Codeine is part of the opiate family. It inhibits the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. This means that it affects all autonomic (involuntary) activities: digestion, breathing and heart rate, as well as the reception of pain stimuli in the brain.
A combination of analgesics
Brand names
- ACCOD – aspirin, codeine, caffeine
- Paracetamol with codeine – paracetamol, codeine
Disadvantages
Codeine inhibits the peristaltic movement of the digestive system, which can result in constipation. In people who are sensitive to it, it can also lead to vomiting.
Caffeine analgesics
Caffeine is added in small doses to combination painkillers. For comparison: a cup of fresh coffee contains 150 mg caffeine.
Effect
: Caffeine appears to promote the absorption of the other components, although the mechanism has not yet been fully explained. Caffeine dilates the blood vessels, except in the brain, where vasoconstriction occurs. This could explain the ischemic pain upon direct use and the pain that occurs when discontinuing the medication and is the result of vasodilation.
Brand names
- Antigrippin – paracetamol, caffeine, ascorbic acid
- Hedex Extra – paracetamol, caffeine
- Finimal – paracetamol, caffeine
- Panadol Plus – paracetamol, caffeine
Disadvantages
: Caffeine increases the heart rate and leads to insomnia. Some people get headaches from it and regular use can lead to headaches when discontinuing the medication.
