Caplets for Fast Headache Relief Excedrin Extra Strength Headache Relief Caplets alleviate various types of pain fast. Excedrin works in 3 ways to relieve headaches: it blocks pain signals, elevates your pain threshold and uses caffeine to enhance the pain relief effect. Available in convenient caplet form, this nonprescription pain medicine works as hard as you do, combining aspirin and acetaminophen with caffeine. These active ingredients create a powerful formula with two pain relievers and a booster to offer temporary relief of aches and pains caused by headaches, colds, premenstrual and menstrual cramps, toothaches, muscular aches and arthritis. For some, relief with this Excedrin caplets can start working in 15 minutes. Get headache relief fast with Excedrin, the headache expert.