An over-the-counter medication, Excedrin Migraine contains a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine. Despite its effectiveness at relieving painful migraine headaches, Excedrin Migrain poses a risk for side effects.

Types of Side Effects

Common side effects of Excedrin Migraine include upset stomach, heartburn, nervousness, restlessness and insomnia, reports Drugs.com. Although unpleasant, the side effects of Excedrin Migraine rarely pose any long-term health risks.

Features

Taking excessive amounts of Excedrin Migraine may cause seizures, hallucinations or severe increases or decreases in heart rate. The recommended dosage of Excedrin Migraine is 1g of medication per dose with no more than four doses per day, explains Drugs.com.

Interactions

Drinking alcohol or beverages that contain caffeine may cause an increase in side effects from Excedrin Migraine. A number of drugs may cause prolonged bleeding after an injury or surgery when taken with Excedrin Migraine, including antidepressants like fluoxetine and citalopram and medications that thin your blood or prevent clots like warfarin or clopidogrel.

Risks

Products that contain acetaminophen pose a risk for liver damage or failure, particularly with prolonged use, warns the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aspirin also has the potential to cause stomach ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

Considerations

Aspirin is not safe for use in children under the age of 18, and acetaminophen may cause fetal heart deformities or low birth weights when taken by pregnant women, cautions Drugs.com. If you have a history of asthma, gastrointestinal problems, hemophilia, diabetes or gout, it may not be safe for you to take Excedrin Migraine.

Source:

Drugs.com: Excedrin Migraine

FDA: Acetaminophen and Liver Injury

American College of Gastroenterology: The Dangers of Aspirin and NSAIDs