Best bets: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and ASA (Aspirin, Bufferin). Also good: acetaminophen (Tylenol). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and ASA, but NOT Tylenol), decrease production of pain-triggering prostaglandins.

Start low and go slow: Take just what you need for relief. Daily or frequent use of pain medications, as well as their misuse or overuse, can cause rebound headaches. Also, avoid taking more than one type of NSAID at a time, since multiple NSAIDs may cause adverse health effects, according to a January 2008 study from Duke University.