June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month, a time to support those living with chronic headaches and empower everyone to better understand this often-overlooked health issue. As your neighborhood pharmacy, we’re here to help you manage symptoms, explore treatment options, and know when to seek professional care.

 

Headaches vs. Migraines: What’s the Difference?

Most people experience headaches from time to time—often due to stress, dehydration, or lack of sleep.

There are different types of headaches such as:

• Tension – typically surrounds the whole head with discomfort pain
• Migraines – one-sided pain appearing on the head
• Cluster – rare but pain usually around one of the eyes, which can appear in clusters
• Other – these can be sinus headaches, medication overuse headaches, and much more

Headaches can last for 30 minutes up to several days, depending on the severity.

 

Migraines, however, are more intense and complex. They can involve:

• Throbbing or pulsating pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
• Visual disturbances – loss of vision, hallucinations, or seeing halos or dots

Migraines can last from a few hours to several days and may seriously interfere with daily life.

Common Headache & Migraine Triggers

Identifying your personal triggers is key to managing headaches. Some of the most common include:

• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep changes (too much or too little)
• Caffeine overuse or withdrawal
• Certain foods (aged cheese, chocolate, red wine, processed meats)
• Dehydration
• Hormonal changes (common in women)
• Bright lights or strong smells

Keeping a headache diary can help pinpoint patterns and avoid future episodes. Different types of journals are available which would help to keep track of how many headaches or migraines you are having, as well as the type of headache you are having.

Nonpharmacological Relief Options

There are other ways to help relieve headaches or migraines:

• Massage
• Dietary changes
• Exercise
• Acupuncture
• Reducing caffeine intake

 

Over-the-Counter Relief Options

Many headaches can be managed with non-prescription medications. Here are a few go-to options we recommend:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®): Gentle on the stomach, good for mild to moderate pain.
• Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®): An anti-inflammatory that’s effective for tension headaches and some migraines. Avoid using it if you have high blood pressure, or on blood thinners, or pregnant.
• Naproxen (Aleve®): Long-acting relief, especially helpful for migraines.
• Combination meds (like Excedrin® Migraine): Contain caffeine, acetaminophen, and aspirin—often more effective for migraines but should be used cautiously to avoid overuse. Avoid using this product if you are taking blood thinners, pregnant, or have bleeding disorders, and do not use if you are under the age of 18 years old.

Important: Frequent use of OTC pain relievers (more than 2-3 times per week) can lead to rebound headaches. If this sounds familiar, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. If you have any questions about recommended starting doses, come by and ask the pharmacist.

When to See a Doctor

If headaches are becoming frequent or severe, don’t brush them off. You should consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Sudden, severe “thunderclap” headaches
• Headaches that wake you from sleep
• Headaches with vision changes, confusion, or difficulty speaking
• Headaches after a head injury
• Migraines occurring more than 4 times per month

There are prescription medications and preventive therapies available—don’t suffer in silence!

Stop by the Pharmacy. We’re here to help you manage your headaches with the right tools and support. Whether it’s recommending the best OTC option, answering questions about medication interactions, or helping you identify triggers, your pharmacist is a key part of your care team.

Need help picking the right headache relief? Stop by and chat with us—we’re happy to help you find the best fit for your needs.

Headache pain is common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Let’s work together this June and beyond to build better awareness and find lasting relief.