Why is excedrin bad for you

We do know that it works mainly in the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Acetaminophen increases the amount of pain your body can tolerate by reducing the amount of prostaglandins it produces. It reduces pain and inflammation, which includes swelling and irritation.

Aspirin also reduces the amount of prostaglandins the body produces, but differently from how acetaminophen does. Caffeine is not a pain reliever. That means it makes blood vessels narrower. In Excedrin Migraine, caffeine works to narrow blood vessels in your brain. This decreases the amount of blood that can flow through the blood vessels at one time.

This action helps combat headaches, which happen when blood vessels widen. Check out the interactive infographic: 14 common migraine triggers ». Excedrin Migraine comes as a caplet you take by mouth. Each caplet contains mg acetaminophen, mg aspirin, and 65 mg caffeine. The recommended dosage is listed below by age. Because it contains aspirin, you should be very careful when giving Excedrin Migraine to children and teens. Never give products that contain aspirin to a child younger than 12 years.

Learn more: Treating migraines and severe migraines ». Each of the three drugs in Excedrin Migraine can cause some side effects. Some effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication. And if you have any of the serious side effects, call your doctor or right away. These side effects can include:. Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks or other sources of caffeine while taking this medication.

They can add to the side effects of the caffeine in the medication. Use Excedrin Acetaminophen, Aspirin, And Caffeine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Never use more than the recommended dose. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever lasting longer than 3 days, or any swelling or pain lasting longer than 10 days. Overuse of migraine headache medicine more than 10 days per month can make headaches worse. Tell your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well. This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests.

Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, you may need to stop taking this medicine for a short time.

Since acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time. Your best bet is to discuss the risks and benefits of aspirin use with your doctor.

You know that jittery, nervous feeling you get when you've had one cup of coffee too many or maybe more than one? Well, too much Excedrin means too much caffeine, especially if you're also eating or drinking foods that contain caffeine.

You also may have a lot of trouble falling sleep if you have too much caffeine, and sleep loss can be a migraine trigger, Dr. When you overdo it on headache remedies for a prolonged period of time, you can develop medication-overuse or rebound headaches, Grosberg says. It's hard to say how much Excedrin is too much for any individual, but talking to your doctor and paying attention to ingredients, quantities and dosing instructions can make sure you treat your headaches as safely as possible.

Meeta Shah, MD. Shah is a board certified emergency medicine physician who works clinically, as well is involved in medical education, informatics and physician wellness initiatives.

She has been involved in medical reviewing and writing for the past 4 years. Know when to see a specialist. Use Product as Directed. To report an adverse event call You are about to leave Excedrin. If you do not wish to leave this site, click Cancel. Or, click OK to continue.

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