For those who suffer migraines, management is the name of the game. The recent, temporary halt in the production of Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength by GlaxoSmithKline just made that a little more difficult. Here, we discuss why this recall happened and how it may have the silver lining of prompting you to find better alternatives for treating chronic migraines.
The manufacturer moved to pull these popular migraine medications due to inconsistencies with their ingredients. The Excedrin products are formulated with aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine. The inconsistencies were discovered through routine quality control and assurance measures and, though the drug-maker does not believe these products pose a safety risk to consumers, they took precautionary steps to protect those who use the over-the-counter drugs.
Maintaining the Upper Hand on Migraines
Though necessary and admirable that the manufacturer prioritized consumer safety over profits, the unavailability of convenient migraine relief can increase anxiety among migraine sufferers. Physicians advise consumers to speak to their pharmacist about over-the-counter alternatives to the recalled Excedrin products. However, this may prove frustrating. Many people are being advised to purchase each of the Excedrin ingredients separately. However, this could lead to the same inconsistencies that the manufacturer faced, and dosing is an important safety matter that must be considered.
Another option is to obtain a prescription for migraine medication. However, there is a risk that the long-term use of popular medications, Excedrin included, could lead to rebound headaches or other health concerns. In one study, researchers discovered that rebound headaches could occur in as little as three months of taking migraine medication more than two days a week. Also, the long-term use of migraine medications may have a detrimental effect on the liver, kidneys, and stomach.
If you experience frequent migraines, consider non-pharmaceutical alternatives to manage your comfort. Consumers become well-informed by advocating for themselves and exploring the various ways in which migraines can be treated. Treatment options are available at the Migraine Surgery Specialty Center in Southern California. Having suffered chronic headaches himself, Dr. Lowenstein sought out the specific education and training that would help him manage his problem. Now, he utilizes a wealth of knowledge and experience to help patients from across the country.
Your migraines do not have to degrade your quality of life anymore. Call 805.969.9004 to learn more about how to treat migraines successfully.
