Paracetamol products?

[badguider]

I've never found paracetamol much use as a pain killer but I know my usual ibuprofen and also aspirin are out in pregnancy.
I've had a stomping throbbing headache from hell for about 30 hrs now and facing a second sleepless night. I've tried plain paracetamol but it hasn't touched it. I've got a head/neck massage booked but while I'm waiting is there any other paracetamol products that might help - some have caffeine in them, but is the dose of caffeine too high for pregnancy? What about codeine? I assume that's a no- no?
Any other ideas? How do those things you rub in your forehead work? Or us that just nonsense/placebo?
Please help, I'm nearly in tears

[HavingALittleFaithBaby]

Hi. You can take codiene in pregnancy (I'm on quite large doses under supervision) but with caution. You could try co-codamol for a couple of days (instead of paracetamol, not with!). Also try a cold compress - I really like migralieve kool and soothe strips. Make sure you're hydrated too - dehydration is a massive culprit for bad heads.
If it contines, I'd contact your midwife. Hope it eases soon.

[HavingALittleFaithBaby]

Oh I'd avoid anything with caffiene in it.

[Missingthemincepies]

A severe headache can be a sign of Pre eclampsia. Depends what stage of pregnancy you're at.

Best to phone your midwife or doctor and get some advice before self-medicating with anything other than paracetamol.

My sympathies OP, headaches are awful. Hope you feel better soon.

[EggyM]

I've been prescribed paramax by the doctor for constant headaches. It's paracetamol along with some other drug that helps it absorb into your bloodstream much easier. Totally safe according to doc- haven't tried it yet as only got prescription yesterday but might be worth a try?

[Missingthemincepies]

Paramax is paracetamol and metoclopramide. There is no possible enhancement or speeding up of pain relief from metoclopramide. It will help if there is nausea/vomiting along with the headache.

[badguider]

thanks everyone - it's too early for pre-eclampsia and my blood pressure is low so i'm not worried. I get migraines when not pregnant but this doesn't have any migraine symptoms so I'm not going to risk taking my migraine meds (which are not approved for preg but not known to cause problems).

the massage really helped and it's now just a low grade throb. I'm trying my best to stay fully hydrated but it's tough.. my stomach doesn't want to take the amount of fluid i seem to be needing (much more than usual) - i might add some rehydration salts to my fluids.

[HavingALittleFaithBaby]

For fluids (I know it's cold!) but I found ice lollies really helpful. They seem to be gentler on the stomach and prepared my stomach for more food/drinks when I had them. Glad it's eased since the massage,

[milkyjo]

Not much help when it's really painful but worth a try if nothing else is working: fresh air? Or dark room with a cold compress. Hope you feel better soon x

[Springforward]

YY to cold compress in a dark room, if you can manage it - works for me when paracetamol doesn't help much.

[eltsihT]

On a slightly side note I had dreadfully headaches at the start of this pregnancy as I had no caffine for 3 days, not on purpose i was just feeling morning sick! i drank a cup of coffee and my headaches went away... I have carried in feeding my caffine addiction (up to 200mg recommended) since and no more headaches. Have you considered the cause of he headache? It could be as simple as lack of caffine or dehydration?

[badguider]

I think it started with dehydration due to nausea on Wednesday but since then I've got a couple if litres a day down me and still suffering (sat morn).

[badguider]

Don't want to speak too soon but I think i've shifted it. Found out i can drink lots of lime cordial in water - not too sweet... managed a litre this morning and feeling better.