Advil or Aleve for headaches: Which to use

Advil and Aleve are the brand-name versions of the generic drugs ibuprofen and naproxen, respectively. These medications are sold over the counter (OTC) and are commonly used as pain relievers for simple conditions like headaches.

Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both medications are effective in reducing headaches, but one may be better for you than the other, depending on personal factors. These may include how you react to the medication, the type of headache you have, and their side effects.

Advil 

Advil is one of the most popular brand-name medications that contain the main ingredient of ibuprofen. As an NSAID, ibuprofen works by reducing and stopping the production of a substance known as prostaglandin. This substance is linked to pain, inflammation, and fever. 

Advil is likely to get to work very quickly. The usual onset is between 30–60 minutes, reaching its peak at around 2–4 hours.

A 2017 study finds that it will reach its peak concentration in your blood, which is when it will have its greatest effect, by about 75 minutes, if not sooner. Some 2018 research finds that 400 milligrams (mg) of ibuprofen takes 45 minutes to have an effect.

You can find Advil OTC in pharmacies, grocery stores, and other retailers. The typical OTC dose for ibuprofen is 200 mg, taken every 4–6 hours. Ibuprofen comes in different oral forms, such as tablets, capsules, gel capsules, liquids, and drops. It’s important not to take more than six tablets in a 24-hour period. 

Advil and ibuprofen can lead to side effects. Some are mild and common, while others are more serious. Possible side effects include:

• dizziness
• constipation
• bloating
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• blurred vision
• hives 
• stiff neck
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Ibuprofen also has a small chance of causing increased bleeding in your stomach because it can work as a blood thinner. The chance is generally low and only increases if you take Advil alongside other blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin).

If you experience these side effects, it may be best to stop taking ibuprofen and talk with a healthcare professional about finding an alternative.

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Aleve 

Aleve is one brand-name version of the medication that contains naproxen as its active ingredient. As another NSAID, naproxen blocks the action of certain substances like prostaglandins that cause pain, inflammation, and fever, similar to Advil.

While the FDA hasn’t approved naproxen for this purpose, doctors sometimes prescribe it to manage and prevent migraine attacks, including the headaches they cause. This is known as an off-label use.

For mild to moderate headache pain, naproxen starts to work within 1 hour. Unlike ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, naproxen stays in your system much longer, so you need to take fewer doses throughout the day. Its effects also last for a longer time.

Aleve comes in tablets and liquid gels of 220 mg. You can buy the medication OTC in drugstores, grocery stores, and other retailers. You don’t need a prescription for Aleve, but you’d require a prescription if you need a stronger form of naproxen.

Aleve can be taken every 12 hours or twice a day. It’s not recommended that children younger than 12 years old take OTC Aleve to treat headaches and pain, although doctors may give it to them in hospital settings. 

Aleve and naproxen can cause side effects, some of which are similar to those caused by ibuprofen, while others are not. Some common and serious side effects of naproxen include:

• stomach pain
• an upset stomach
• drowsiness
• gas
• excessive thirst
• a headache
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• changes in vision
• excessive tiredness

If you experience any of these side effects, talk with a healthcare professional.  

How to decide 

Advil and Aleve are very similar medications with similar benefits. But there are slight differences that may help you to decide which to try.

Deciding which one is better to relieve your headache will depend on several factors, which include:

• Length of effect: Aleve lasts longer than Advil, meaning you need to take fewer doses throughout the day.
• Side effects: They may cause slightly different side effects depending on individual factors and the dosage. The dosage of OTC Aleve is higher than that of OTC Advil.
• Adverse events: Some research suggests that naproxen is less likely to increase blood pressure, or it increases it less than ibuprofen in patients with arthritis. Ibuprofen was also slightly more likely to cause cardiovascular events.
• Age: Children younger than 12 years old cannot take naproxen, while children older than 6 months can take ibuprofen. 
• Allergies: Some people may be allergic to either naproxen or ibuprofen. Talk with a healthcare professional if you’re allergic to either medication. They can help you find other options.
• Cost: The two brands might have different prices. If cost is a concern for you, you might consider downloading the free Optum Perks Discount Card, which can help you save on your medications.

Other options

There are other OTC medications you can take to find relief for headaches, as well as natural remedies. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is a painkiller that is not an NSAID, so it will have different effects than Advil or Aleve.

For headaches, healthcare professionals might recommend lifestyle measures, such as drinking water, getting quality sleep, and reducing alcohol consumption (if you drink).

There are also some prescription painkillers doctors might use if your pain is severe. Some very strong options include:

• morphine (Duramorph)
• oxycodone (OxyContin)
• tramadol (Ultram)

Doctors are unlikely to prescribe these for a headache.

And if your headaches are caused by migraine, a doctor may prescribe some migraine medications, including:

• almotriptan (Axert)
• frovatriptan (Frova)
• sumatriptan (Imitrex)

But you should note that these medications are more often used as preventive drugs, so they may not relieve headache pain as it happens.

Summary

Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are two OTC medications that can help relieve headaches. 

The main difference between the two is how long their effects last. The effects of Aleve tend to last about 12 hours, while the effects of Advil last 6 hours. 

When considering which may be best for your headache, you’d have to consider several factors, such as your age, weight, other medications you’re taking, and whether you’re allergic to either naproxen or ibuprofen. 

However, both are very similar, so whichever you choose will likely help with your headache.

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