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Excedrin Recall Giving You a Migraine? Try These 6 Alternatives (VIDEO)

by Adriana Velez on July 10, 2012 at 1:04 PM

migraineBad news for some of you who suffer from migraines: Six months after Novartis issued a massive recall of Excedrin (along with a few other products), it's still missing from store shelves.

The company says it plans to restart making its meds on a "line-by-line, product-by-product basis" and start restocking some products later in the year. But they didn't say which "line" they're starting with. Because it's more fun to keep us guessing!

Everyone's migraine headache is different, but what if this over-the-counter med just happened to be the silver bullet that reliably killed yours? Time to revisit those alternative migraine remedies.

I don't get migraines, but I have friends who get them and they've tried a long list of remedies. They say it's just about finding the right combination of treatments and then constantly tweaking that combo -- with the close supervision of your doctor, of course!

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Hormone therapy: For some women, migraine headaches are tied to their production of estrogen. So (very, very carefully) managing their hormones through birth control pills or injections can sometimes help.

Cranial sacral therapy: The therapist puts their hands on you and tunes into your "cranialsacral rhythm." It's kind like of a head massage but more is involved.

Acupuncture: Recent research shows this can help relieve migraine pain.

Yoga: If nothing else, this can help relax and revive you in between migraine headaches. But some positions are believed to help treat migraine sufferers.

Gluten-free: There may be a link between eating gluten and migraine headaches.

Supplements: Magnesium supplements can help relieve premenstrual migraines. Some people have found relief from other supplements like riboflavi (vitamin B2), CoQ10, feverfew, and butterbur.

So there's that. Or there's the Excedrin black market. Are you ready to go covert and pay extra for relief?

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Do you get migraines? What works for you?

 

Image via jrod804/Flickr

Filed Under: alternative medicine, drugs, illness

Comments

25
  • heather
    -- Nonmember comment from

    heather

    July 10, 2012 at 1:16 PM
    The only thing that works for me is 800mg of motrin with an iced coffee otherwise my migraines get worse
  • Robin...
    -- Facebook comment from

    Robin Fairfield Bukovnik

    July 10, 2012 at 1:27 PM

    I have first comment!!!!! ;o)


  • Michelle
    -- Nonmember comment from

    Michelle

    July 10, 2012 at 1:29 PM
    A combo of continuous birth control (2+ years without a period!), Imitrex, and a cool, quiet, toddler-free room :)
  • Michelle
    -- Nonmember comment from

    Michelle

    July 10, 2012 at 1:31 PM
    BTW, there ARE still generic versions available, they just have reduced APAP (Tylenol) in them. The "original" Excedrin had 500mg, the "new" version has only 250mg. But, just look for the combo of Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Caffeine and you are good to go! Target's Up & Up brand is one I can think of off hand.
  • Flori...
    --

    Floridamom96

    July 10, 2012 at 1:32 PM

    There's also buying generics. 


  • Jo
    -- Nonmember comment from

    Jo

    July 10, 2012 at 2:03 PM
    Go to the doctor! I suffered for 20 years before finally being hospitalized with the worst migraine of my life. Now (6 months later) with a wonderful combination of doctors and meds, they are manageable. Trust your doctor!
  • Jocel...
    -- Facebook comment from

    Jocelyn Duesler Rebisz

    July 10, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    I use M Grain essential oil blend by Young Living. It takes the edge off, and combined with rest and a dark room, shortens my migraines.


  • Sarah...
    -- Facebook comment from

    Sarah Montesa

    July 10, 2012 at 2:21 PM

    Regular Chiropractic care!


  • Abby...
    -- Facebook comment from

    Abby Murdock

    July 10, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    I have struggled with migraines for over 13 years. They are worse when I am pregnant, I can't even count how many times I have been hospitalized just to function. I have A-typical migraines much like the lady on the news who started talking funny. I basically blacked out for a whole weekend after the birth of my daughter when my hormones were in shock and all i could say was I need to pee, yet I didn't need to pee. Long story. Anyways, the only thing I have had a little bit of luck with is a crazy concoction, 2 benadryl, 4 ibuprofen, 1 loratab and a full strength coca-cola classic. Then sleep. I am definitely interested in reading more comments on acupuncture and a chiropractor to see if these have helped anyone. 


  • Tara
    -- Nonmember comment from

    Tara

    July 10, 2012 at 5:16 PM
    Treat the causes, not the symptoms. See a neurologist or chiropractor to make sure everything is in place. Then go to nutrition and reducing chemicals. Check out Nutritariarian, cleanse yoyr body of heavy metals, and get REAL food in you. Keep hydrated with water...just a 3% drop can cause a dehydration headache. Stay away from all sodas, especially diet, the aspertame turns to formaldehyde at 86F, and it doesn't leave your body until you cleanse it. Check out the movie "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" on netflix to see a nutritional cleanse that won't kill you to try.
1-10 of 25 comments

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