Skip to main content

Excedrin Migraine User Reviews & Ratings

Excedrin Migraine has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 113 reviews on Drugs.com. 72% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 19% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Excedrin Migraine

  • Anony...
  • February 21, 2010

For Migraine "Like all medications I've ever taken, I followed the directions exactly ("take 2 caplets with a glass of water") and the product worked great, with no side effects. With regard to those complaining that the product was ineffective or gave you bad side effects, PLEASE read the following. Although Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength are the exact same product, it is vitally important to follow the Excedrin Migraine directions if you are taking the pills for a migraine, NOT the directions for Extra Strength Excedrin! Here's why. Many people have incorrectly assumed that because the two products are exactly the same, which they indeed are, that the directions are also the same. THIS IS COMPLETELY FALSE. The reason that there is a separate product solely for migraines, and the FDA approved it solely for migraine use only, is because the amount you take for migraines is completely different than for general pain relief, including "regular" headaches. The reason Excedrin Migraine instructs you to take only 2 pills in 24 hours (vs 8 pills in 24 hours for Extra Strength Excedrin) is because taking more than 2 pills in 24 hours (for a migraine) is likely to cause rebound migraines for many people. In other words, taking more pills than the directions tell you to will make your migraine problem worse! You will note on the Excedrin Migraine package that the ONLY use for the product is "treats migraines." Think about that! The directions match that one usage and this is the reason the FDA approved the product. So if you have migraines and want to buy Extra Strength Excedrin, instead of Excedrin Migraine, that's totally fine, but be sure to follow the Excedrin Migraine directions! If you're taking the product for migraines and you take more than 2 pills in 24 hours, you can definitely except to experience the bad side effects that many people have talked about on this site! And keep in mind that although you should NEVER take more than 2 pills in 24 hours (if your using it for migraines), that doesn't mean you can't take just 1 pill in 24 hours. For some people, just 1 pill will get rid of your migraine. If 1 pill isn't working for you, then you can always take another one during each 24 hours. So less is fine, but more is a huge mistake. I hope I've made my point. Review sites in general tend to attract people who have bad things to say about a product. People who have a good experience with a product are much less likely to post their comments on a site like this. Why? Because angry people want to vent. This is not to say that some people who complain are insincere or haven't followed the directions of the product. There are always going to be people who a product just doesn't work for. But most people who properly follow the directions will not have bad results. Also, for migraines specifically, finding a product that truly gets rid of them can be very difficult for many people. It's trial and error. If one product doesn't work, you try another until you hopefully find one that does the trick. So a product not getting rid of your migraines is one thing, but having painful or uncomfortable side effects is another. Follow the directions and you most likely will never have the bad side effects. Whether it works to get rid of your migraine is a coin toss, but at least you won't have the bad side effects in most cases. I hope this helped. Good luck to all migraine sufferers. I know how awful they are."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
118 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 30, 2012

For Migraine "I have had migraines for almost 40 years. I have the type where I lose my central vision and have a halo effect for appx 45 minutes, then horrible pain sets in, and throw up for several hours. This will last for appx 8 hours, then the pain eases off and lingers for almost two days. I usually ended up at the hospital where I have had Demerol, Imitrex, etc, which did not work. One day I lost my vision, and tried Excedrin Migraine. This stopped the migraine cold. Never before had any medication even slightly reduced my pain and nausea. This was 14 years ago. I take two as soon as I start to lose my vision, wait until the halo effect subsides, then I can go about my day. Excedrin Migraine returned my life to me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
56 Report
  • Not...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 26, 2013

For Migraine "I can no longer take this medicine because it throws me into horrible anxiety attacks that mess with my blood pressure, make me dizzy, lightheaded and lethargic. Not to mention, an overall FEAR I am dying. These do get rid of the migraine for me but the effects are just not worth it. I used to be able to take it with no problem but not anymore. The anxiety, high blood pressure, and overall feeling of dying caused me to trash them so the temptation would not be there to subject myself to them anymore. I'm going to have to find another way of dealing with the headaches. Everyone is different, what their bodies can tolerate varies."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
40 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Vahe
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 7, 2019

For Migraine "Hello everyone I have had migraines for over 8 years now, I am 28 years old male. 5 years ago I went to gas station at 4 am to grab some kind of pain reliever as I was having a migraine and saw the Excedrin Migraine pill. I tried and my life changed since. Start with 1 pill and see how long does it take into effect. I usually take 1 pill when I feel a little pain (just means I am gonna have a bad migraine soon) if the migraine pain is already there I take two For me at least it takes 30 -45 minutes and no pain."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
14 Report
  • Troub...
  • May 4, 2014

For Migraine "I've had migraines about once a month for a couple years, sometimes more often. I'm a teenager, so when I would get my migraines I was physically unable to get out of bed, and would have to miss multiple days of school and make up work. Three months ago I went to my doctor because my previous medication wasn't working. She recommended Excedrin Migraine, and my grades have shot through the roof. I take Excedrin as soon as the vision halos set in, and after 20-45 of the halos, when the migraine would normally set in, instead of an excruciating headache, I get a minor tingling sensation in my head instead, which doesn't bother me at all, actually kind of feels nice. I would recommend Excedrin Migraine to anyone!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Candy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 18, 2019

For Migraine "I've been suffering from debilitating migraines for 5 years. I see auras first, to the point I can't even see out of one or both of my eyes. Once the flashing lights go away the pain comes and it's so excruciating I vomit. I've tried aspirin, ibuprofen, and Goodys powders... finally today I almost wrecked while driving when I couldn't see because a migraine was coming on. I pulled into the CVS and asked the pharmacist what I should take. It was the last resort before going to the ER. He said Excedrin. I'm now back at home typing this review!!!!! I can't believe it. All I'm experiencing is pressure, but no pain. I can live with migraines. I don't have to be down for 4 hours when I have kids to take care of. Thank you so much Excedrin!!!!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • Charl...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 17, 2013

For Migraine "I have been dealing with migraines and hormonal headaches for over 20 years. I've tried all the prescription medications which did nothing to alleviate the pain and nausea which usually lasted for 4-5 days for me. Excedrin Migraine has significantly improved my quality of life. I was devastated when it went off the market for almost a year. I find the new ones an improvement. I am so thrilled however I'm concerned that I may be taking too many which may cause liver damage. I take on average about 2-4 daily."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report

More FAQ

  • Koko...
  • December 4, 2007

For Migraine "I suffered of migranes for years therefore I took many otc products, I also had prescriptions, such as old Caffergot. Nothing did work to relief me of such headaches. One of those days, a friend recommended me Excedrine Migraine. Since then, I am the happiest person in this world. As soon as I feel the ache coming, there goes one caplet....wait about 15 minutes and that is it. I do recommend Excedrine Migraine To any person who suffers from Migraine. THANKS A LOT"

Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 24, 2015

For Migraine "I've taken these pills twice and each time I have had very bad anxiety attacks. I was mostly concentrating on the sensation of floating and nothing being real to check if I still had a headache. I don't know if it was because I took these at night, but nevertheless, I will probably never take these again because the attacks are terrifying. I'm not saying this wouldn't work for some other person but I'm putting this up to warn people. I thought it was just my anxiety acting up but then I read other reviews. Please, people with anxiety, take caution."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Migra...
  • January 3, 2015

For Migraine "I have gotten migraines since I was 3 and I would get mild headaches to intense migraines basically every day for a good 4 years. I tried everything and Excedrin Migraine works so well and fast! I actually just took some like 40 minutes ago and the pain has subsided enough to write this review! This medicine honestly changed my life!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Parker
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 15, 2019

For Migraine "I had a very bad reaction. My stomach burning, cramping and feeling Nauseated very ill to the point I had to go to Urgent Care . Now it’s going on 4 days feeling sick be glad when this gets out of my system never ever take this again."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Ramgrl
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 14, 2015

For Migraine "Migraines I understand, and I used to take Excedrine migraine decades ago before my kids were born and it worked...that being said, I don't know what they did to these pills, but they took an extreme toll on me after just two more than 12 hours apart. I had multiple anxiety/panic attacks, shortness of breath (may have been related to the attacks), a feeling of what I can only describe as Deja vu constantly for hours that was debilitating, fatigue, nausea and more. I have no bad medical history of any kind, no depression, no mental issues, never had an anxiety/panic attack, sleep and eat well, and I've never used any illegal drugs or even prescription drugs other than the birth control I have been known for years."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • Anonymous
  • November 27, 2011

For Migraine "My husband and I both use it. He gets migraines frequently and this is the only thing we've found (including prescription medicines) that is effective for him. I use it now when I get headaches, usually only 1 pill. It works for me every time also. "

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 24, 2011

For Migraine "Today I took Excedrin migraine for the first time, it worked very well for the pain, it took it away completely but now I am in bed feeling with stomach pain, nausea and heartburn. I feel miserable, I've never had medication bother my stomach before. I don't have a sensitive stomach at all. It's amazing for killing the migraine but the stomach pain is not worth it. I normally take 800 mg of ibuprofen and a strong cup of coffee when I get a migraine and it works great for me but this time a friend asked me to try this so I did and it hasn't worked. "

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Exced...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 25, 2013

For Migraine "The first time I took Excedrin Migraine I think I took too many because it didn't help my migraine! But the second time I took it I took one and it was gone...but then it came back again and I didn't take another one because it says to only take 2 in 24 hours and I wanted to wait. But I'm looking forward to buying a bottle & using it in the future. THANKS EXCEDRIN MIGRAINE!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • Hooves
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 23, 2016

For Migraine "I suffer from chronic migraines. Without a preventative medication (Topamax) I get them five to seven times a week. While taking Topamax I get three to five a month, so it is a vast improvement. Still, when they hit I need relief from the pain and Excedrin Migraine is NOT it. I am leaving this review so that others who do not respond well to Excedrin know they are not alone. These pills don't even begin to take the edge off the pain and the caffeine dose only makes my nausea worse. For the record, I experience two different types of migraine; one with light aura and one without. Excedrin doesn't help either."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • Sue
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • November 4, 2019

For Migraine "I have a love/hate relationship with this medication. I've had migraines since I was a child, but I also have anxiety. This is the only medication that takes my migraines away. However, it can also cause anxiety/panic symptoms, especially lightheaded feeling and fast heartbeat. I only take one with food and a lot of water. So it's either deal with the pain, or uncomfortable anxiety symptoms for awhile."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • ricvin
  • December 28, 2015

For Migraine "My Migraine headache starts with what they call Aura, which is blind spots in eyesight (eyesight will be blurry when this happens) and followed by the worst headache ever. From my experience, the Excedrin Migraine doesn't work when you take it after the headache starts. But when you take it in early stage (which is for me, immediately after experiencing Aura), its very effective. Don't expect you will be relieved from pain 100 percent, but at least it helps relieving 70 percent of pain. I would highly recommend to take it in very early stage when the migraine starts."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • Gman
  • May 25, 2011

For Migraine "I have lived with migraine headaches for over 24 years. I did not know what to do with my head until I found a miracle 7 years ago. I am from the country where access to medication is not possible, so I had to learn how to leave with ongoing headache for several years. One day I was sitting in Lab with a female colleague and she saw me rubbing my head badly. She carried the pills, so she pulled out and gave me two. In 15 mins, I felt the most amazing relief I never had in 17 years. I totally depend on Excedrin Migraine pill for the last 7 years now. I feel stomach burning afterward, but that discomfort does not match the migraine headache. I take twice or three times a week. "

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
  • Anonymous
  • June 8, 2010

For Migraine "I have over 20 migraines a month, which can be very costly with Imitrex. If I catch my headache early enough Excedrin for Migraines will eliminate my migraine for 8-12 hours. It is tough on my stomach though, after years of fighting migraines with aspirin (before Imitrex came along.) Thank you Excedrin!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
17 Report
  • Magst...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 17, 2017

For Migraine "I'm a 44 yr old woman that just started to suffer from daily headaches 2 yrs ago. Got the MRI - etc etc etc. All clear. These migraines mainly cause a "bouncy" feeling and slight vertigo. I can feel the throbbing on my pillow and tinnitus. Lovely - huh? Somehow I manage to sleep pretty well because I've learned to stop worrying about it. Tried Tylenol - Advil- then Exedrine. Exedrine is the only one that helps. I take just one. It reduces any pain and helps the vertigo a little bit. And feel the benefits for a couple days. I try not to take more than one or two pills PER WEEK. I hate meds. Anyway- I love this stuff."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 10, 2017

For Migraine "I am 20 years old and get the worst migraines. As soon as I feel a migraine coming onset I take 2 excedrin and within 20-30 minutes I feel great. No other medication combats my migraines like excedrin does. Thank the lord for this medication!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report
  • LatinaJ
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 22, 2019

For Migraine "Excedrin migraine is the only thing that works for my migraines. Because I try my best not to take medicine I will do everything to not take a pill unless I have to . Because I’ve learned that sometimes headaches come from dehydration I try my best to gulf down bottles of water . In this instance I lasted 3 days without taking medicine . I couldn’t take it no more . Soo finally took 2 Excedrins and within an hour I’m already feeling relief . This medicine is really a miracle medicine for me . Thank you !"

Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Lauren...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 15, 2015

For Migraine "I get migraines ALL THE TIME and Excedrin has always been my go-to, but usually I've been able to take it and go to sleep right after. Today unfortunately, I had to work. I didn't take anything before going to work (MISTAKE) and by the time it was lunch break, my migraine was at it's peak. I lost my vision almost completely, was in SOOO much pain and I felt so confused/in such a daze. I went to target and got Excedrin PRAYING for a miracle. I took 3 tablets due to severity of my migraine and WOW. One hour later, I FELT SO MUCH BETTER. My migraine deteriorated to a slight headache and I felt like I wasn't going to die. MIRACLE PILL"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report
  • Ryanjoe
  • August 15, 2016

For Migraine "I am a migraine sufferer and have been a test subject to many new migraine medicines over the years. When I don't have my doctor subscribed migraine medicine with me the best average day migraine medicine for me to take is excedrin. If I take it early on before the migraine gets to bad it will usually get rid of it but if I take it to late it will only reduce the pain but not eliminate it. But overall it is a very affective migraine medicine."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.