Pain Medication for Periods

A wide array of medications are marketed specifically for the treatment of pain associated with a woman's period. Depending on factors such as tolerance and body chemistry, some medications work better for some women than others. If you commonly experience period pain, trying a different medication than your usual may offer some extra relief.

Pamprin

• Pamprin is specifically marketed to women for helping with pain related to PMS and periods. It offers temporary relief from cramps, as well as headaches, back pain, and other mild aches and pains. Pamprin is available in caplets and tablets. Its active ingredients are Pamabrom, Pyrilamine Maleate and Acetaminophen. Pamprin should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breast feeding, and it should not be taken by those with asthma, glaucoma, peptic ulcers or glaucoma.

Naproxen

• Naproxen, or Naproxen Sodium, is most commonly marketed as Aleve and is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen. Unlike ibuprofen, Aleve works to counteract pain and inflammation by reducing hormone levels. Naproxen is the most expensive over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, but it is longer-lasting. Because the drug works with your hormones, it may be the most effective treatment for your period pain. But while it is very effective for some women, it may not be effective at all for others. It should not be taken while you are breastfeeding and it may aggravate certain stomach conditions.

Acetaminophen

• Acetaminophen was the first widely marketed alternative to aspirin as a pain reliever. It is most recognized as Tylenol, but it is marketed as numerous other brands, as well as in generic form. Acetaminophen is often combined with harder pain-killing ingredients in prescription strength pain relief. It should not be taken with alcohol or if you have cirrhosis. It should not be used when breastfeeding. Acetaminophen is most commonly abbreviated as APAP. Due to its generic pain reducing use, it can be used to counteract period pain, but its effectiveness varies widely between women.

Ibuprofen

• Ibuprofen is a very popular non-aspirin, non-acetaminophen based non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. It is most commonly associated with reducing body pain (as opposed to headaches) and is often very effective in treating period pain. Advil is the most recognized ibuprofen brand name, but it is available as Midol, marketed for period pain, Motrin IB, and in generic form. It is known that long-term use of ibuprofen can increase risks of life-threatening heart and circulation problems. It should not be taken before or after heart surgery.