The short version

  • If you are taking painkillers, the NHS says to take them as soon as your headache starts.
  • Try not to take painkillers for more than 2 days a week, as this can cause more headaches and make migraine harder to treat.
  • Try sleeping or lying down in a darkened room during an attack.

The 2-days-a-week note

If you need painkillers more often than that, it is a reason to talk to a GP, who can discuss other treatments such as triptans, gepants and medicines to prevent attacks. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice.

During an attack

The main symptoms the NHS lists include a throbbing headache, feeling or being sick, and being very sensitive to light and sound. Its advice includes lying down in a darkened room and staying well hydrated.

A small bag for when you are out

This bag is our idea, built around that advice. It is not a medical list, so pack only what works for you and what your clinician has advised:

  • Sunglasses
  • Earplugs
  • An eye mask
  • Water
  • Your medicine
  • A snack, since skipping meals is a listed trigger
  • A small notebook, or your diary app
From the makers of this guide

Migraine Diary - Headache Log

Our app records each attack and the medication you took, which makes your painkiller days easy to count.

View in the App Store Compare 3 options

We make this app, so we are not a neutral source. Free download with optional in-app purchases. Requires iOS 15.1 or later. The comparison shows two other approaches, so you can choose for yourself.

When to get medical help

The NHS says to see a GP if attacks are severe, getting worse or lasting longer than usual, if you have them more than once a week, or if they are hard to control. Ask for urgent advice if an attack has lasted longer than 72 hours or aura lasts longer than 1 hour at a time.

Call emergency services (999 in the UK, 911 in the US) for:

  • a headache that came on suddenly and is extremely painful
  • problems speaking or remembering things
  • loss of vision, or blurred or double vision
  • drowsiness, confusion or a seizure
  • weakness in the arms or legs on one side, or on one side of the face
  • a recent head injury

This article is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.

Sources