People sometimes name a specific over-the-counter pain reliever even when they don't have a particular brand in mind, just as people ask for a Kleenex when they want a tissue of any brand. But there are differences between over-the-counter pain relievers that you should understand. Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen are different substances whose desired effects (and drawbacks) can be different. So if you're not sure how brand names like Advil, Aleve, and Tylenol are different from each other, read on.
