How long does it take for paracetamol to stop a headache for you?

[2025willbemytime]

Finally gave in at 3.30 and took two paracetamol. Hadn't made any difference. Is there a better medication for headaches and is it relevant why the headache is there in the first place?

It's only ever worked when given to me by IV.

I find the tablets are a complete waste of time for me. They have no effect. Ibuprofen however does work although I'm actually not supposed to take it...

Doesn’t work for me either. I use ibuprofen but cocodamol is much better. I just worry about taking it too often as it’s a bit too good tbh! So I try ibuprofen first then cocodamol if that doesn’t work and I’m not driving etc.as it makes me veeeery relaxed!

Depends if it's a headache or a migraine. About 40
Mins for headache. Never for a migraine. Have sumatriptan for that.

Anadin extra is brilliant.

Absolute rubbish.

Bollocks.

What’s the point of paracetamol? | University of Oxford www.ox.ac.uk/research/what%E2%80%99s-point-paracetamol

I too am one of those people for whom paracetamol doesn't work as a pain killer. It does work to make me feel a bit better and bring my temperature down when I have a cold, but no use at all for anything else.

Painkillers aren’t necessarily a one and done e deal. You may only feel the benefit after taking the next dose.

Otherwise, alternate with ibuprofen. So paracetamol, 2hrs later ibuprofen, 2hrs later paracetamol etc.

Ibuprofen Migraine or Boot’s Ibuprofen Lysine (they’re the same thing) are the best I’ve found.

I prefer caffeine and a big glass of water for a headache. It rules out caffeine withdrawal and dehydration, plus caffeine makes paracetamol work faster.

Thanks for the extra posts. I'll take another dose in two hours and hopefully that will help.

I take Solpadeine - it takes about 20mins. Works every time. I really don't get them (headaches!) that often though tbh.

Take it with a can of full fat Coca Cola .
really helps when I have a headache coming on

Ibuprofen lysine works fastest for me. I start to feel it ease off slightly after 10-15 minutes. I’m not really meant to take them, as I have crohns, but they work best when I have a migraine. I make sure to take a lansoprazole with them and eat something to try to minimise any gut issues it might cause me. I also find that spacemasks self heating eye masks help a little too.

I usually take paracetamol with caffeine first and if it hasn't kicked in after an hour or so then I take ibuprofen.

Doesn't work at all for me. I don't have any caffeine at all, so can't take the ones with caffeine in (which I do wonder would have an affect).
DH rarely gets headaches, but when he does, a single paracetemol is effective within 15 minutes.

You could try some Biofreeze gel on your temples and behind your neck. Tiger balm is also good.

I also use a Tens machine with 2 pads on the back of my shoulders to relieve tension.

If you can't take codeine then just take Ibuprofen and paracetamol. I use a cold compress on my head, a flannel in iced water. I get terrible migraines and cold therapy seems to help.
Some people say coffee or coca cola helps headaches. Or obviously drink lots of water.
Hope you feel better soon x

The University of Oxford seems to agree that it doesn't work for most people!

https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/what%E2%80%99s-point-paracetamol

There is also a Cochrane study that backs it up

Thank you @BobbyBiscuits .

i don't like coffee and don't have any coke but I do feel a bit better now.

Thanks everyone.

I've got ideas for next time.

You obviously don't have a clue how to analyse scientific papers.

Paracetamol doesn’t work for headaches for me, but iboprofen does.

@2025willbemytime I also do massage my temples and my cheeks. And squeeze the fleshy bit between thumb and first finger. I find the stronger I squeeze, the more relief I get after!
Glad you're feeling better xx

It doesn't work for me. I use aspirin or ibuprofen. If it's a really persistent headache sometimes paracetamol will help on top of one of those.

Paracetamol is an underrated pain killer.