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How long does it take for Excedrin Migraine to work?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on May 9, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Key Points

What's in Excedrin Headache?

Each caplet or geltab of Excedrin Migraine contains 65 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, 250 mg of acetaminophen, and 250 mg of aspirin. Caffeine increases the effects of pain medicines like aspirin and acetaminophen and can make these medicines more effective.

The recommended dose of Excedrin Migraine contains roughly as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Limit caffeine-containing medications, foods, or beverages while using Excedrin Migraine. Excessive caffeine can cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and rapid heart beat.

If you have migraine headaches that are not responding to any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, contact your doctor for further evaluation. There are many prescription treatments available for migraine that may be helpful for you.

Over-the-counter generic and store-brands of Excedrin Migraine are available in the US.

Related: Review of Migraine Treatment

How long does Excedrin Migraine last?

In three placebo-controlled studies, an acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine combination (equivalent to Excedrin Migraine) was shown to last up to 6 hours when taken to relieve migraine headache pain.

Significant pain relief rated as mild or none began in 30 minutes in the group receiving the acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine combination compared to placebo in a pooled analysis of all three studies.

Other migraine headache symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and inability to carry out usual daily activities (functional disability), were also significantly improved 2 to 6 hours after treatment with the acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine combination, when compared with a placebo.

Read More: Side effects and warnings for Excedrin Migraine

This is not all the information you need to know about Excedrin Migraine for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Excedrin Migraine information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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References
  • Lipton RB, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Caffeine in Alleviating Migraine Headache Pain Three Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials. Arch Neurol. 1998; 55:210-217. doi:10.1001/archneur.55.2.210
  • Excedrin Migraine Medication. Excedrin.com. GlaxoSmithkline Consumer. https://www.excedrin.com/products/migraine/
  • Excedrin Migraine (monograph). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/excedrin-migraine.html
  • Excedrin.com. Excedrin Migraine Drug Facts. GlaxoSmithkline Consumer. https://www.excedrin.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/excedrin/en_US/documents/MIGRAINE_DRUGFACTS_0923.pdf

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How often can you take Excedrin Migraine?

The usual adult dose for Excedrin Migraine is 2 caplets with a glass of water. Do not take more than 2 caplets in 24 hours, unless directed by your doctor. Taking more than 2 caplets in 24 hours may cause an overdose of acetaminophen, one of the ingredients in Excedrin Migraine. Taking too much acetaminophen may damage your liver or cause death. In case of an overdose, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center. Continue reading

Does caffeine help migraines?

Caffeine has been shown to increase the effects of pain relievers like aspirin and acetaminophen for migraine headaches, increasing the effectiveness of these medicines by up to 40%. Continue reading

Why does throwing up relieve migraines?

For many, vomiting can help relieve migraine symptoms, even stopping the headache altogether. Research suggests that vomiting stops migraines by alleviating gastric stasis (or gastroparesis), the delayed gastric emptying that causes stomach upset to occur over the course of a migraine.

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