You have probably been told that sugary, caffeinated drinks should be eliminated from your diet to reduce headaches. While this is true, growing research and care plans actually use caffeinated medicines to relieve headaches. Sound confusing? It may seem like an oxy-moron, caffeine and headache treatment, but it is actually one of the most powerful additives to common pain relief medication.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our group of board certified pain specialists are determined to help our patients find answers to their chronic pain problems. Our conservative care models are designed to meet all of your chronic pain needs without having to use surgical or invasive techniques. With four facilities across Utah (in Richfield, St. George, Logan, and Cedar City), Southwest Spine and Pain Center is the Southwest’s leading pain management clinic.
Caffeine is naturally found in tea and chocolate, though many people associate it with coffee and soda. Caffeine affects people differently, and when used in excess can cause sleep complications, muscle twitching, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, and anxiety.
Did you know that caffeine is a main ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription headache relievers? According to research, the addition of caffeine can make a pain reliever up to 40 percent more effective in headache treatment. Caffeine is also useful in medication absorption, helping patients receive relief faster. When caffeine is added, a person may be required to take less of a medication, reducing the risk of harmful side effects and drug addiction.
These common over-the-counter drugs all contain some level of caffeine. Please review the list and consult with a Southwest Spine and Pain Center physician about safe medications and dietary modifications to prevent caffeine withdrawal.
- Actamin Super: 65.4 mg
- Anacin Maximum Strength: 32 mg
- Anacin Tablets and Caplets: 32 mg
- Aspirin-Free Excedrin Caplets: 65 mg
- Bayer Select Maximum Strength Headache Pain Relief: 65.4 mg
- Dristan Capsules: 16 mg
- Excedrin Caplets: 65 mg
- Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets and Tablets: 65 mg
- Goody's Extra Strength Tablets: 16.25 mg
- Goody's Headache Powder: 32.5 mg
- Midol Menstrual Maximum Strength Caplets: 60 mg
- Midol for Cramps Maximum Strength Caplets: 32.4 mg
- NoDoz: 200 mg
- Vanquish Caplets: 33 mg
- Vivarin: 200 mg
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
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