Headaches

[DinahS]

Hello

Does anyone know what you can take for headaches while on Coumadin. I know Tylenol, but Tylenol doesn't work on me. What about Ibuprophen? I take an 81 mg Aspirin in the mornings too. I am getting stress headaches in my neck from tensing up my neck b/c of the surgery. My husband went to get me a memory pillow, but don't know if that will work. I didn't know if I could take Ibuprophen or not. The doctor said Tylenol, but Tylenol doesn't and hasn't ever worked on me.

Thanks for your help!

 

[tobagotwo]

Ibuprofen is an NSAID. The concern with NSAIDs is that they all can cause stomach bleeding, which can be an issue on Coumadin.

Most people do get away with short-term usage of NSAIDs, but it's not recommended. Check Al Lodwick's site for good information on pain relievers for warfarin users.

Best wishes,

 

[Guest]

Most people who get no relief from Tylenol do not use enough. Try 975 to 1000 mg (2 extra strength of 3 regular strength). You can repeat this every six hours but no more than 4 doses in one day.

It is unlikely that one dose of ibuprofen will cause harm (but it could).

Every time I write this I incur wrath, but Alleve (Naproxen) has never been reported to cause harm in a person taking warfarin. I'd try that before ibuprofen.

 

[DinahS]

Thanks Al

Thanks Al

That may be why then. I am only taking one 500mg Tylenol and it doesn't cut it. I'll try 2 next time then. Thanks so much! I did pop one of my Darvocet's earlier that they gave me to come home on. I only took a couple the first couple of days so I have a bunch left. It definately worked on the headache...hehe! I feel pretty darn good now. HA!

 

[Guest]

Darvocet counts as 500 mg Tylenol. The -cet stands for acetaminophen the active ingredient in Tylenol.

 

[LUVMyBirman]

I hate to think of relying upon Darvocet for pain. But that is exactly what is prescribed for my migraines and cramps. I tried the max Tylenol. Didn't do the job. Mortin was my miracle drug prior to Coumadin. Unfortunately, it's no longer an option.

 

[Yaps]

Ive taken naproxen sodium(aleve) forever, docs havent said to stop. I too find no relief with tylenol, no matter amount,but aleve eases things a bit...

 

[Guest]

Don't overdo the Darvocet. It is addicitng. During my career I have had 3 people die from taking overdoses of Darvocet. I dispensed them legally and correctly but they chose to take then entire bottle at one time.

From time to time the question of whether or not warfarin damages the liver comes up on this site. The sad truth is that acetaminophen in its many forms both prescription and non-prescription is far and away a worse threat to the liver than warfarin. Acetaminophen and alcohol will steadily damage the liver with repeated doses over time.

 

[ccrawford]

Here comes the wrath again Al ! I don't disagree that Aleve (naproxen sodium) has never been proved to cause harm. A number of sources including yours truly have found that it can seriously elevate the INR. I just think people need to be aware of this. It may not affect everyone but it certainly can affect some of us. Nuff said.

 

[Georgia]

I seldom get headaches (they pretty much went away after valve replacement). But tylenol doesn't do anything for them. I use darvocet. Fortunately I don't have to use it much.

When I had a herniated disc I found that regular use made the darvocet ineffective (I'd NEVER use more than prescribed), so I had to use it sparingly, only when the pain was the absolute worst. Occasionally I'd take one Aleve and one darvocet, which was a pretty good combination.

I really pity you gals out there who still have menstrual cramps. My life changed enormously when they finally figured out that ibuprofen worked for cramps. I'd have been up a creek if I couldn't have taken motrin.

 

[Guest]

Chris,

Glad to see that you are perked enough to diasgree with me.

 

[Natanni]

Hi Dinah!

I would contact your doctor/surgeon/cardio.

Nathan had migranes all his life, usually dependant on weather (storms/season changes would bring them on). The only thing that would work for him was taking Ibuprofen at the onset of his visual disturbance, prior to pain. Tylenol simply did not work. His migranes were a large concern for us post op, but his docs (both surgeon and cardio) gave him the okay on an as needed basis. I am sure this is a case by case basis. Oddly enough, he has not had migrane since 2 weeks before his surgery (3+months). He did take ibuprofen once when he pulled something in his neck last week. Good luck!