There are 2 medications that are the number one seller on the market, and they are: Aleve and Tylenol. Both of these are over-the-counter (OTC), meaning that you don't need a doctor/physician to prescribe it to you. You can just purchase it at any retail pharmacy or store that sells medicines. Here are some differences of these two medications:

Aleve: the generic name is Naproxen. This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and it works at the site of the pain and by temporarily blocking the body's production of naturally occurring chemicals called prostaglandins. Aleve treats: minor pain of arthritis, headaches, muscular aches, toothaches, backache, common cold, menstrual cramps and temporarily reduces fever. It comes in 200mg (strength). This does not contan aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It comes in tablet/gelcap/caplet or capsule form. The possible side effects are: upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, tiredness and dizziness.

Tylenol: the generic name is Acetaminophen. It belongs to the analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducer) class. It relieves the pain by elevating the pain that requires a greater amount of pain to develop before a person feels it. Tylenol treats: mild to moderate pain (headaches, cold/flu and pain) and to reduce fever. It comes in 325mg, 500mg and 625mg. It comes in coated caplets/gelcaps/geltabs/liquid suspension and chewable tablets. The possible side effects with acetaminophen are rare. The most common serious side effect is liver damage due to large damages.