Regular use of Advil for headaches?

[Sozo]

Is there any serious risk in using Advil 3 times per week (average) for headaches? I usually take two of the 200 mg tablets. I use this dosage only once per day when the headaches occur. I've had experienced these headaches for the past 2.5- 3 months since getting off of Lexapro.

My Dr. gave me some samples of Maxalt (10mg) & Imitrex (100mg) but after reading the information inserts included with each drug describing the possible side effects of each of these I'm a bit concerened about taking them. My headaches are usually (not always) located on the left side of my head, above and behind my left eye. They do get severe at times, but after my nightmare experience with with Lexapro I'm a bit tentitive about putting meds in my body.

I'M CURRENTLY TAKING 1mg OF KLONOPIN DAILY AT BEDTIME to help with the withdrawal symptoms after getting off Lexapro 2.5 months ago.

Thanks for your help.

[Sozo]

Thank you for your comments. I haven't experienced any of the side-effects mentioned above. I'm 45 YO and I think I'm in average physical condition. My blood pressure is 109/71 - I'm at my ideal weight and my body fat count good too. I had an ablation done on my heart in 1999 for arrhythmia and I've been fine ever since. I have an occasional "flutter", but I'm told that it's no more frequent than the average person.  I know Ibuprofen is not something to pop every time you have a minor headache so I'm trying to be conservitive, but some days the headaches are so intense that I have to take something. My Dr. says he'll order a CAT scan if they're not drmatically reduced by the end of January. Thanks again for your advice.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

All types of medicines have the potential to cause side-effects. Ibuprofen (Advil) is not an exception.

Common side-effects include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, and stomach pain or upset.

However, this drug can potentially lead to an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal heart and blood vessel problems such as a heart attack or stroke and this risk may be increased in those that already suffer from heart problems or who are taking this drug for a long time. It is also not recommended to be used before or after cardiac bypass surgery.

This drug is also associated with an increased risk of serious stomach ulcers and bleeding, sometimes leading to death, and this risk is greater in older people.

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms which persist for a significant amount of time, you should discontinue this drug and consult your doctor.

Hope this helps.