That throbbing headache or nagging back pain… you reach for the ibuprofen, but then the waiting game begins. So, how long *should* ibuprofen take to work?
Generally, you can expect to feel some relief within **20 to 30 minutes** after taking ibuprofen. However, this can vary depending on factors like whether you've eaten recently (food can slow absorption), the dosage you took, and your individual metabolism.
Don't panic if you don't feel better instantly! Give it a full hour to fully kick in. If, after an hour, you're still in significant pain, consider other options, such as speaking with your doctor. Also, never exceed the recommended dosage. Patience is key (and safer!) when it comes to pain relief.
