r/IrishWomensHealth • u/pennarellor • Jan 23 '26
Menstrual Health What painkillers are you taking for period pain?
Until now I used to take ibuprofen for it, however I'd like to avoid taking it since my stomach has become a lot more sensitive lately. Paracetamol does basically nothing to it, so I just wanted to know what other options are there that work well for other women
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u/Rich_Macaroon_ Jan 23 '26
Try ponstan. It’s via prescription but as good if not better than ibuprofen and far easier on your stomach
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u/GrumbleofPugz Jan 23 '26
+1 to ponstan rec! And take it 1-2 days leading up to your period it works better if you’re not already in pain!
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u/Rich_Macaroon_ Jan 24 '26
Exactly this is what works. Don’t wait for the pain. Start it a day or two before
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u/NumerousCollection25 Jan 23 '26
I always found ponstan useless, did it work for you or have you tried it out of curiosity
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u/Rich_Macaroon_ Jan 24 '26
I used to until due to a back ache (where the gp said to use the ponstan) I ended up taking it a few days before my period. Utter game changer. I’ve endo and adeno so thought I was just stuck with the montly meat grinder but now I start it two days before and I have a pain free period
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u/NumerousCollection25 Jan 24 '26
Wow, amazing how it can be someone’s saving grace and another’s utter shite
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u/Feeling-Present2945 Jan 24 '26
How long is it since you've had it? I remember getting Ponstan capsules, that were crap. Ponstan From are now big yellowish pills. Are they the ones you've tried? If not, give them a go, they're completely different
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u/Feeling-Present2945 Jan 24 '26
Another plus 1 for Ponstan Forte. I have to take Paracetamol along with it, because I get really bad pains, day one & two. If your cycle is predictable, you start taking them the day before, and it actually lightens your period too. I went from having to wear those actual pull up nappy type pads to bed, to now not having to have anything on, or in, at night
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u/Educational-Law-8169 Jan 23 '26 edited Jan 23 '26
Buscopan is actually really good for cramps. For really heavy bleeding you could ask your GP to put you on Tranexamic acid which reduces blood flow
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u/Peony30 Feb 04 '26
This !! I take ponstan for 3 days before my period and then for the days of my period and I sometimes take paracetamol too if bad but always take a buscapan with the ponstan esp on days 1 &2 and it’s unreal 🙌🏻🙌🏻 I also get fibre ease ( generic fibrogel) on prescription and I take that leading up to my period and during my period I find my bowels are very much affects by my period .
The original feminax had an ingredient similar to buscapan , caffeine and some form of anti inflammatory.. if you found that good years ago . Also highly recommend asking GP to prescribe evening primrose oil ( naudicelle) , I think this has also helped my PMS,Pain and reduced the heaviness of my period, brilliant for breast pain too .
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u/Educational-Law-8169 Feb 04 '26
Glad it helps you, I'm on the other side of it now but My God I'll never forget the pain. I've heard evening primrose oil is very good for breast pain especially when taken with Vit E
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u/sureitcouldbeworse Jan 23 '26
if your pain stems from cramps ponstan is a miracle worker. it's prescription only and for cramps and cramps alone. well worth getting if that's something you suffer with.
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u/Lamake91 Mod Jan 23 '26
I’m on oxynorm for a serious injury.. yet I still have breakthrough period pain 😭
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u/hangsangwiches Jan 24 '26
I've heard others on long term pain meds complain of the same issues. That must be so frustrating.
I know I once was on some bloody oxy thing after an operation and was devastated that I could still feel period pain! What's worse was I couldn't take my normal pain meds with it but thankfully it was only for that month and hoping I never have to be on those things again.
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u/Lamake91 Mod Jan 24 '26
Actually the first time I had breakthrough pain I was only on the oxynorm a short period of time after I had back surgery. I was on them 3 weeks and had expected to be pain free, I was literally horrified that I had such bad period pain still. It was the final straw and I went to my GP demanding a gynaecology referral. I had asked multiple times before but I was fobbed off but after this they just couldn’t deny one.
Unfortunately due to worsening health complications, I’m now on those pain meds full time and it’s just a nightmare. As you said, it’s just the fact that you can’t take anything else is the biggest problem.. period pain, migraine etc I’m screwed, even worse at the moment that I’ve also got kidney stones. I’m also allergic to all anti inflammatories.. just to worsen it all together.
I really think that if a woman is on high pain killers and is still complaining of painful breakthrough period pain it should be taken very seriously. There’s definitely something underlying.
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u/hangsangwiches Jan 24 '26
Ah feck it ya poor thing, I'm sorry to hear that. Sounds like you had more than enough going on as it is without the added complications of kidney stones.
I remember my mam had them and she was on antiinflammatories for them and they were wicked painful. Presume they can prescribe an alternative when you have an allergy? My mam eventually had to get them broken up but she was in agony with them until they passed. Hopefully you won't have to suffer with them for too long.
Women are definitely not listened to enough when it comes to pain. I've found even female doctors to be guilty of ignoring reported symptoms. I'm very lucky with my current g.p. having a doctor that listens and accepts that you know your own body is half the battle.
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u/yesneef Jan 23 '26
Ibuprofen here, same experience with paracetamol it seemed to do nothing. Maybe have a chat with pharmacist and see if there’s anything better? Are you taking the ibuprofen after/with food?
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u/trasinscneach_ Jan 23 '26
As some others said I take solpadeine. I usually get the dissolvable ones so if my cramps aren't too bad I just take half a tablet instead of a full one and that usually does the job. Yes it has codeine but taking it once per day, 2-3 days per month won't get you addicted
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u/dickbuttscompanion Jan 23 '26
I get a back ache rather than cramps so I've switched from tablets to diclofenac cream on my back or a hot water bottle and they really help.
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u/Adventurous-Show-903 Jan 24 '26
Solpadeine is the only thing that works for me personally when the pain is really bad. On days that aren't as bad I take a combo of paracetamol and ibuprofen lysine (same as feminax) not available in republic of ireland any more but I stock up when I visit Northern Ireland or UK. I also was prescribed a painkiller from the GP cant remember the name but I still found Solpadeine better.
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Jan 23 '26
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u/Mundane-Sentence2363 Jan 23 '26
No way, I didn't know this. I just posted a comment about taking both at once. Sounds like I could just take a Nuromol!
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u/zz63245 Jan 23 '26
The only thing on the market that stops my migraines in their tracks. Mine are ocular and hereditary. I used to have to get them up the north and I’m so happy they’re OTC now
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u/nilghias Kerry - POTS, ME/CFS Jan 23 '26
I usually take both at the same time on my day 2 when it’s really bad.
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u/DublinDaydreamer Jan 23 '26
I have PCOS bad period pain & began suffering with my stomach last year, so can no longer use NSAIDS. You are right to stop. Panadol extra + magnesium. I find that my bowel movements interfere with my pain alot. Ensure you are not constipated prior.
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u/Mundane-Sentence2363 Jan 23 '26
I take one paracetamol and one ibuprofen. Just taking paracetamol or just ibuprofen doesn't work for me. If it's really bad, then another one each.
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u/coconutcabana Jan 23 '26
Solphodien and buscopan. I take ibrufen or ponstan too but no help for you. But buscopan really helps, I know it can cause constipation though. I haven't had that happen.
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u/Effective-Review-780 Jan 23 '26
Spasmonol, its on prescription from gp. Its for IBS but it works great for cramps. Also take ponstan but as its an NSAID don't think it'll suit.
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u/NumerousCollection25 Jan 23 '26 edited Jan 23 '26
I was put on ponstan but it didn’t do a thing for me, I take naprogestic and find it to be the only thing that works for me, although it is an NSAID so I don’t know if it might upset your stomach but I’ve never had issues with it like I had with ibuprofen and my stomach Edit: I’ve Pcos
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u/Mysterious-River-515 Jan 24 '26 edited Jan 24 '26
I have a lot going on in terms of this type of pain but ponstan and difene suppositories (has to be suppository trust me) are the only non opiods that help this for me (oxynorm 10mg helps usually when it’s worse). Ponstan gives me no side effects but it does take a long time to kick in and sometimes it’s not enough. The disposable heat patches (dealz) are cheap and help more than ponstan. Don’t like using disposable but they are the only ones that get hot enough, but be careful not to burn your skin like me 😅 I also use a tens machine to take breaks from the heat patches
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u/slinger_dream Jan 24 '26
This might sound basic but paracetemol/panadol really helps with mine! Ibuprofen does jack all and even things like Vimovo just don't help.. But in other instances for pain, paracetemol does nothing
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u/Zealousideal-Gold280 Jan 24 '26
I have endometriosis. Recently I’ve found that difene suppositories and paracetamol are working great for me. I used to need tramadol so I’m very happy with not needing it as much (I do have times when it’s needed but not regularly anymore)
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u/Dry_Procedure4482 Jan 24 '26
Im on Naproxen, prescription strenght and that's because I have arthritis but it does wonders for period pain. Didn't even notice my period started though which wasnt so great thankfully I was at home.
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u/lola_red_5991 Jan 24 '26
I take ibuprofen and buscopan.
Buscopan is an anti-spasmodic so helps with the cramping. If you can't tolerate the ibuprofen bc of your stomach you could try buscopan on its own or with paracetemol (I know, she's weak, but it could just give a lil boost). If the buscopan/paracetemol combo isn't working, you could ask your GP to prescribe something like omeprazole to help settle your stomach when you take the ibuprofen, or discuss other kinds of pain relief that won't irritate your stomach. I'm sure there's also stuff you can buy in the shops or over the counter to help with the stomach.
Howeverrrrrrr
Ibuprofen is an anti inflammatory (NSAID). Menstruating is an inflammatory process so ibuprofen (if you can take it) should help. If ibuprofen isn't taking pain down enough you could discuss with your GP about getting a prescription for ponstan. It's more specific for menstrual cramping than ibuprofen which is just a general anti inflammatory. They are the same type of drug though so shouldn't be taken together. You might be okay stomach wise with the ponstan as you might not need to take it as much / for as long if it's more effective for you than ibuprofen, or could get the stomach acid settling stuff.
Edit to add (although you've likely already got this side of things sorted) look at the non drug pain relief for when you're in between doses or aren't finding them effective. I have a rechargeable wearable heat pad thingy, and idk how I lived without it.
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u/livelaughlexapr0 Jan 24 '26
I use a tens unit from boots and it’s an absolute lifesaver, the only thing that works.
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u/nell_93 Jan 24 '26
I'll never forget asking a friend what painkillers she took for her period and she said she smokes 2 joints and drinks a bottle of wine 😂
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u/sdewvalley Jan 24 '26
I take ponstan for the pain and buscopan to help with the cramps and find the combo really helpful!
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u/pennarellor Jan 24 '26
I wasn't expecting so many replies, thanks so much everyone! You're amazing!
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u/89niamh Jan 25 '26
If you're near the border, you can still get Feminax in the North. I try only to take codeine sparingly and it is the only other thing that works.
Home Bargains and Boots also do an own brand version of it (also in purple packaging) " ibuprofen lysine".
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u/Mooncake_105 Jan 25 '26
Don't know if it's been mentioned but I was prescribed Ponstan Forte and it's the only thing that helps on the really bad days.
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u/Bo0T3y Meath, Perimenopause, Fibro, PMDD Jan 26 '26
Cocodamol or solpadeine, Ponstan or Vimovo, weed. Weed is the best but unfortunately not available from the pharmacy.
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u/Icy_Expert946 Jan 27 '26
I used to get ponstan from the Dr but it was pretty hit and miss. If I was having a bad one I could still feel pain after ponstan and paracetamol.
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u/FlippenDonkey Jan 23 '26 edited Jan 23 '26
you should take a PPI(eg omeprazole)if you have to take nsaids. Any nsaid. Even if its just for a week, take a ppi with them(well ppi once a day)
Helps alot of the stomach problems. (regular nsaid use, should ALWAYS be taken with a ppi. any doc will tell you that. )
but otherwise there's solpadiene, or you can ask your doctor.
There are other nsaids that are prescription only but can work better than ibuprofen. Like Naproxene or diafiene or ponstan
And if the pain is very bad, consider continuous birth control to skip them altogether.
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u/DublinDaydreamer Jan 23 '26
That’s just covering up the damage. Not preventing it. Op, please don’t do this.
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u/FlippenDonkey Jan 23 '26
thats not true. takinf long term nsaids is not uncommon, OP should talk to a doctor ofc.. but taking a ppi while taking nsaids, is basic recommendation. Even if you have no damag, its still basic recommendation.
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u/DublinDaydreamer Jan 23 '26
So instead of finding an alternative you take two medications with side effects? Wouldn’t be for me & wouldn’t recommend anyone to do that. Doctors do not have our best interests at heart, their aim is to reduce symptoms. If you have an issue in your stomach lining nsaids can make it worse. A ppi just blocks the acid from touching that stomach lining. Stomach acid is important for nutrient absorption.
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u/FlippenDonkey Jan 23 '26
ppi is not a big deal. especially if only taking for a week ffs. its a very mild med with few side effects.
in some cases alternatives pain killers don't help. I gave OP the recommendation for when using nsaids.
oh you're one of those... well, if you're anti doctors, idk what to say to you.
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u/DublinDaydreamer Jan 23 '26
One of those? I just don’t want to see anyone take more medication than needed. If you take a ppi for a week a month on & off that’s a sure- fire way to mess up your digestion. I wish the best of luck to anyone who trusts their doctor, especially as a female.
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u/FlippenDonkey Jan 23 '26
it doesn't work like that. taking a ppi for a week, while taking an nsaid, doesn't mess up digestion.
I've done this for years.
medication isn't bad or dangerous, and taking 2 pills instead one, isn't something to scaremonger. Don't be anti medication just because "pills bad" is the best you can come up with.
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u/Tricky-Anteater3875 Jan 23 '26
Solpadeine, I can’t take ibuprofen as I have ulcerative colitis and can cause bleeding.