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Headache

TYLENOL® can provide relief for Tension-Type Headaches (TTH)

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Proven efficacy

The efficacy of acetaminophen in the treatment of tension-type headaches has been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials.1

Recognizing TTH pain and common triggers2,3

TTH pain is often described as:

  • “Vise-like” or like a “band around the head”

TTH pain has 2 or more of the following characteristics:

  • Bilateral

  • Mild to moderate in intensity

  • Pressing or tightening sensation (not throbbing or pulsing)

  • Not worsened by routine activity such as bending over or climbing stairs

Common TTH triggers include:

  • Stress

  • Jaw clenching

  • Too little sleep

  • Missed meals

  • Intense work

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

When headaches come with cold or flu

Patients may not know their OTC cold and flu remedies contain analgesics. To avoid overuse, remind patients to check labels and avoid treating headaches with the same active ingredient present in their other medications.

Risk of rebound headaches, also called medication overuse headaches (MOH)

Taking an OTC pain reliever more than 3x a week on a regular basis can lead to rebound headaches.3 Patients should bring frequent use to your attention.

Simple headache relief tips4

Patients can try these instead of, or in addition to, an analgesic:

  • Heat: Hot shower or bath; heating pad applied to head and neck muscles

  • Cold: Icepack or cool compress placed on the forehead

  • Self-massage: Gentle rubbing of the temples, scalp, neck, and shoulders

  • Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation5

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References

1. Yoon YJ, Kim JH, Kim SY, Hwang IH, Kim MR. A comparison of efficacy and safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs versus acetaminophen in the treatment of episodic tension-type headache: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trial studies. Korean J Fam Med. 2012;33(5):262-271.
2. American Migraine Foundation. Tension-type Headache: Symptoms, Types and Treatments. January 12, 2023. Accessed March 29, 2023. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/living-with-migraines/types-of-headachemigraine/tension-type-headache/
3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Headache. Accessed March 29, 2023. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/headache#3138_2
4. Mayo Clinic. Tension-type headaches: self-care measures for relief. July 28, 2015. Accessed March 29, 2023. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/in-depth/headaches/art-20047631?pg=2
5. Cleveland Clinic. 10 ways you can relieve stress right now. Accessed March 29,2023. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-relieve-stress/