Migraine advice while waiting to see GP

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I had 2 migraines during lockdown that included the swirling flashy things. I spoke to the pharmacist who gave me some migraine tablets (I forget what they were called) but they worked. Since then I haven’t had it again.

However, last week we had a particularly stressful day and I got a headache that has been awful. Throbbing at the sides of my head, when I move, at the base of my skull etc. I spoke to the pharmacist today who said it sounded like a migraine, just presenting differently, but because I haven’t been diagnosed with migraines by a GP he couldn’t give me anything. The GP appts are all fully booked and I don’t know when I’ll get in to see someone.

So, any advice on how to cope using over the counter stuff? Any recommendations or tips would be appreciated!

Anadin and full sugar cola helps take the edge off most times.

If you can take aspirin, my consultant said that 3 aspirin (900mg) and a can of coke is pretty much as good as triptans in the short-term. It's obviously not great for your stomach lining if you take it often, though.

A sports drink (not an energy drink!), rather than just water helps me.

Double espresso and a nap

If you can take aspirin then get the soluble sort and hold sips of it in your mouth as long as possible before swallowing, it will absorb through your mouth and get more directly to where the pain is.