Paracetamol and headaches

[Newmummytobe79]

I wrote on here the other day about how my migraines had gone and how I felt much better ? but now I?m struggling with headaches day in day out. They seem to be worse when I?m at work but yesterdays lasted until bedtime when I gave in and took two paracetamol (I?d already taken two yesterday lunchtime). I?m struggling again today and really don?t want to take any more paracetamol but I can?t concentrate on my work!

My midwife said to take paracetamol at the onset of a headache but not to make a doctors appointment if they continue for days on end.

I?m scared to take more pain killers but my head hurts so much! Can anyone offer any advice on paracetamol and how many is a safe amount to take?

Thanks

x

I was advised to take the recommended amounts, but tbh it's not something really for days on end - I agree go and see the doctor and get something stronger if needed, i've just been given some cocodomal for tooth ache but it had to be prescribed.

I was told to take the recommended amount and not exceed it, but for no more than 3 days without seeking advice.

I've been safely prescribed 2x500mg paracetamol 4 times a day and 30g of codeine 4 times a day as required.

I think it depends how far on you are. Pregnant or not if you have a headache for 3 or more days you need to get checked with a GP

Ooh you have my sympathy, I get migraines too and they all but disappeared during pregnancy. There were still some headaches that seemed to come on for a few weeks and then disappear, then pop by for a bit longer.

From what I understand, you need to take paracetamol at the onset of a headache. I'm not 100% clear about the reasoning but I think it's to do with the way the body digests the painkillers after a while (i.e. it's better at the start than the end).

If it all gets too bad, my GP said it was "okay" to take a sumitripan based drug that he prescribed for migraine but at my own risk.

I don't know what the safe amount to take in pregnancy is but your GP should be able to advise.

I'm 8 weeks pregnant and suffering with headaches as well - they never develop into full blown migraines (so far, thank GOD) but without proper painkillers they seem to last for about 24 hours - paracetamol barely touches the sides. I've been taking paracetamol up to the recommended dosage along with usual migraine-coping techniques - going to bed, darkened room, cold compress, tiger balm on my forehead etc.

If it's any consolation, I had them with my last pregnancy too and they went by my 2nd trimester.