What OTC medicine is good for body aches?

[tmonferdini]

I'm planning on taking excedrin migraine & tylenol in case I get a headache, but what is good to fend of body aches & pains? Is it Advil or something else? Last year when we went, I took something in the middle of the day & it seemed to help, but now I can't remember what it was. Any ideas out there?

 

[Chellymouse]

I'm an RN and a student NP, so I would suggest if you are not allergic and it's ok with your doc or NP, Aspirin. Aspirin is the wonder drug! Fends off headaches and body aches, but don't mix the aspirin with the excedrine as the excedrine has aspirin in it. tylenol is useless and Advil or Alleve (or the equivalent generic) both are NSAIDS (non-steriod antinflammatories) work well for body aches, but not everyone is able to take them. If you aren't taking any prescription medications, any of the above is a good choice.

 

[tmonferdini]

Thank you so much. I think I'll go with the Advil (probably what I used last year anyway). No other meds in my system, anyway.

 

[firsttimer03]

I'd say Motrin or Advil.........I NEVER leave home without it.
The worst thing is having a horrendous headache or a pain and not having anything for it........then having to pay PRIME $$$$$ for it.
Good luck!

 

[suzimar57]

last year DH had migraines the entire week (we got to check out every first aid station in all 3 parks....) - imitrex wasn't working - now he's on depakote and hasn't had a migraine in over a month (that hasn't happend in over 10 years!!!) - i'm bringing alone excedrin (for my headaches), advil (for body aches) and aspirin (for everything else) - this virgo travels prepared!!!

 

[Momtoredheads]

I'm planning on taking excedrin migraine & tylenol in case I get a headache, but what is good to fend of body aches & pains? Is it Advil or something else? Last year when we went, I took something in the middle of the day & it seemed to help, but now I can't remember what it was. Any ideas out there?[/QUOTE

As a pharmacist, I would advise Aleve or ibuprofen. (Aleve lasts longer). Be sure to take either one with food--like a meal if at all possible--can upset the stomach.

 

[travelin' tigger]

I work at a barn and it's pretty physical work. Once home I take 2 Excedrin Back and Body and feel great a little while later.

 

[Todd&Copper]

For body aches and menstrual cramps, I use Naproxen Sodium ( I think that is Aleve? I use the store brand.). Works better than anything else I have tried.

 

[3mickeymom]

I believe both Advil, Motrin and Aleve come in the liwuid capsules. When you have a really bad headache, you can feel them start to work almost immediately. They are a bit more expensive but we don't take alot of medicines, so i splurge. They are so worth the extra $$. I usually take Motrin or Advil because you can only take Aleve every 8 to 12 hours. If it doesn't help that is a long time to wait to take another dose. Hope your vacation is headache and body ache FREE!!

 

[ZoZo]

Tylenol works for pain, but isn't an anti-inflammatory.

I can't take aspirin because I have ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease - aspirin is a big no-no!).

I usually stick with ibuprofen/advil as a pain reliever/anti-inflammatory. My feet swell when I've been on them all day, and ibuprofen helps with the swelling.

Haven't tried Aleve in years, so no opinion on it.

Good luck!

 

[arkansas mom]

When at WDW, I take Advil before I go to bed. Then my muscles will relax and I won't wake up stiff and sore.

 

[sskem96]

Remember that if you find yourself in the parks and forgot to bring your OTC meds with you, the first aid stations can give you meds for free, you just have to sign a log. I got some antacids from them after my stomach got shook up on Test Track.

 

[LSU]

I'm planning on taking excedrin migraine & tylenol in case I get a headache, but what is good to fend of body aches & pains? Is it Advil or something else? Last year when we went, I took something in the middle of the day & it seemed to help, but now I can't remember what it was. Any ideas out there?

okay - since you mentioned MIGRAINE - I'm assuming you are prone to them. Anyway - this isn't a medicine - but it is tried and tested!!! yogurt with acidophilus (sp?) prevents migraines. google it. My friend's son had severe migraines and drs couldn't help at all. She had him start eating go-gurt daily and hasn't had one in about 3 years. Others swear by it as well.

Now for the muscles - ADVIL!!!

Good luck!

 

[juliana_sd]

I prefer Aleve. What has worked well for me in the past on days with lots of walking is taking one before I leave in the morning (and then 8-12 hrs later depending how I'm feeling).

 

[reelmom]

I prefer Aleve. What has worked well for me in the past on days with lots of walking is taking one before I leave in the morning (and then 8-12 hrs later depending how I'm feeling).

I was going to suggest the same thing. Stop the pain before it starts. Works like a charm.

 

[bumbershoot]

I can't take aspirin because I have ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease - aspirin is a big no-no!).

Haven't tried Aleve in years, so no opinion on it.

When I was two big "symptoms" away from death b/c of "naproxen poisoning", I was told that I shouldn't take aspirin b/c naproxen is on an aspirin base. That was told to me by the MD who finally diagnosed me with it, after other MDs in his same office were blaming the swelling and high blood pressure on weight gain, the emotions on depression, and that I was making up the other problems. So, you shouldn't take Aleve (though I, conversely, have never had a problem with aspirin, it's the other stuff in Aleve that could kill me). And Aleve *can* be scary stuff.


To the OP, I know this isn't necessarily what you're asking, but have you ever used Arnica gel or cream? It is AMAZING stuff. I have always liked the Boiron brand, but last summer we found a semi-local, to us, brand called Salmon Bay (or Creek?) (Creek...I have the bottle right here, silly me) Botanicals (you can google that). Amazing stuff. When we found it we had walked to a farmer's market while moving house. Hubby was doing most of the work and was in PAIN. they had a sampler and I smoothed a dab on his calf, and by the time we walked from the middle to the edge of the booth, that leg was 99% better. Walked right back, bought a bottle, put it on his other leg and his lower back. He was a new man. We *love* that stuff, and it's priceless for Disney. Even DS loves it!