I get migraine headaches, and I have gout. Both cause pain. I have learned over the years that a single dose of two extra-strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) are enough to make my particular headaches go away. I have also learned that Naprosyn (naproxen) works better for my gout pain. That is because gout is an inflammatory condition. Naprosyn has anti-inflammatory properties.

When I used to have children with high fevers, I would prescribe Tylenol. That was usually sufficient. However, sometimes, it was not. I would then recommend an additional dose of Motrin (ibuprofen) to help. Motrin does not last as long as Naprosyn. The medications work in different ways, so they can be mixed.

The FDA has just come out with a medication that contains both Tylenol and Naprosyn. Because they work differently, the effects can be additive.

The normal dose of extra strength Tylenol is 1000 mg no more than three times daily. The normal dose of Naproxen is 220 mg no more than three times daily. The dose for the new FDA combination is 650 mg Tylenol and 220 mg of Naprosyn. However, it is meant to be taken every 12 hours.

Essentially that gives three different options. One may ask what the best option is. The answer, “it depends”.

As I indicated, my migraines (which were diagnosed when I was in college) usually respond to 1000 mg of Tylenol. It usually only takes one dose. However, many people with migraines (like my two daughters) require more advanced medication. I found the best dose for me through trial and error.

The best dose of Naprosyn for my gout was something I also found through trial and error. For example, Motrin did not work as well.

There are now three classes of pain relievers to choose from. Tylenol 1000 mg two to three times per day is one. Naprosyn 220 mg two to three times a day is a second. The new FDA combination of the three is the third.

How well each one works for a specific individual varies. It might vary with the individual’s genetics. It might vary with the individual’s digestion. It might vary with the individual’s metabolism. It might vary with the specific cause of pain for the individual.

There is likely no one size fits all. I now have both Tylenol, naproxen and Motrin in my medicine cabinet. Which one I take depends on the type of pain and the length of time I need to take the medication.

For example, I take Naprosyn for my gout because the pain usually subsides in 48 hours. Over time, I have found that after 72  hours of Naprosyn, I get one of my migraines. And it doesn’t respond to Tylenol. If I know I need more than 72 hours of an anti-inflammatory medication, I choose Motrin instead.

Which of the three options (four if you count Motrin) to choose will depend on the individual. It will become a trial and error situation for each person.

The bottom line is that there are multiple options for over the counter pain relief. Each person needs to find out what works best for them.